PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued an alert for the province’s upper districts amid the potential risk of increased glacier melting.
According to the disaster management authority, rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall could increase the risk of glaciers melting, potentially raising water levels in glacial lakes.
The PDMA warned that an increase in the volume and water levels of glacial lakes could raise the possibility of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can cause sudden flooding and extremely fast water flows in downstream areas.
Rainfall and Rising Temperatures Raise Concerns
According to the PDMA, the combination of warm weather and intermittent rainfall expected from August 31 to September 4 could accelerate glacier melting in mountainous areas.
The resulting increase in meltwater could lead to a rise in both the size and water levels of glacial lakes. If a glacial lake becomes unstable and bursts, large quantities of water can be released suddenly, creating a serious threat to communities and infrastructure located downstream.
The authority has therefore advised relevant district administrations to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.
District Administrations Alerted
The PDMA has issued alerts to the administrations of several districts, including:
Chitral
Upper Dir
Lower Dir
Swat
Upper Kohistan
Lower Kohistan
Mansehra
Officials in these districts have been directed to closely monitor sensitive locations and remain prepared for any emergency arising from sudden increases in water flow.
Evacuation Exercises Ordered
The PDMA has also directed authorities to conduct evacuation drills at vulnerable locations and ensure that safe locations are prepared in advance.
The measures are intended to improve the readiness of local administrations and communities in the event of sudden flooding.
Authorities have been advised to maintain close monitoring of glacial lakes and water channels and to respond quickly if signs of increased water flow or instability are detected.
The alert comes as the upper mountainous districts remain vulnerable to weather-related hazards, particularly sudden flooding caused by rapidly melting glaciers and glacial lakes.
The PDMA has urged the relevant administrations to remain on high alert during the period of increased temperatures and intermittent rainfall and to ensure that emergency arrangements are in place before any potential flooding occurs.
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