- The bursts of glacial lakes can trigger flash floods: PDMA.
- Authorities have been tasked with monitoring vulnerable locations.
- Motorists have warned against trying to cross high-flowing rivers.
LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday issued a glacial lake flood (Glof) alert for the northern parts of the country.
According to the PDMA, rising temperatures combined with intermittent precipitation could accelerate the melting of glaciers, increasing both the volume and water levels of glacial lakes.
The advisory comes as thousands of tourists, many from Punjab and Lahore, travel to the northern areas during the summer season.
The authority warned that the sudden bursting of glacial lakes could trigger flash floods and a rapid rise in water levels, posing a serious threat to lives, property and infrastructure.
The district administrations of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra have been placed on high alert.
Authorities have been tasked with ensuring continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, issuing timely warnings, conducting evacuation drills in high-risk areas and preparing designated safe shelters.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, camping and hiking in vulnerable areas.
The PDMA also warned motorists against attempting to cross fast-flowing streams and floodwaters, warning that vehicles can be swept away by strong currents.
A Glof is a sudden and potentially devastating flood that occurs when a natural dam of ice or loose rock containing a glacial lake fails.
Such events are typically triggered by rising temperatures, heavy rains or seismic activity, releasing large volumes of water downstream over a short period of time.
