Pakistan Issues High Alert for Glacier Bursts and Flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high alert warning for possible Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the PMD, a moderate western weather system is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan from May 3, 2026, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated heavy downpours.
Officials warned that the recent rise in temperatures has accelerated glacier melting in northern mountainous regions, increasing the risk of glacial lake bursts, debris flows, and sudden floods.
The most vulnerable areas include Hopper, Ghulkin, Shisper, Yasin, Phander, Budswat, Lower Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, Dir, and Upper Dir.
Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, streams, and mountainous valleys to avoid unnecessary movement during rainfall. People have also been urged to immediately move to safer locations if they notice sudden changes in water color, unusual sounds, or increased water flow in local streams.
Residents were further instructed to shift livestock and essential belongings to higher and safer places while maintaining close coordination with local disaster management committees.
The Meteorological Department stated that disaster management authorities remain on high alert around the clock, with technical focal persons deployed in remote regions to monitor the situation and respond promptly to emergencies.