The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert, warning of the risk of glacier bursts and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan due to an extreme heat wave.
The NDMA has alerted relevant departments about the threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). According to the alert, from May 21st to 27th, there is a significant risk of severe flooding and landslides in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan.
The NDMA stated that SPARCO is monitoring the GLOF sites.
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Mock Drills in Risk-Prone Areas
The NDMA emphasized the importance of constant communication in the affected areas to enable immediate action in the event of a flood or other emergency. They have instructed the relevant departments to conduct mock drills to ensure timely evacuation of people in the risk-prone areas.
Following a prediction by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) of a possible GLOF in KP and GB, the NDMA issued specific instructions to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in KP and the Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA).
Given the rising temperatures and current meteorological conditions, there is an increased likelihood of GLOF, severe floods, landslides, and strong winds in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan from May 21 to 27.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authorities have been directed to coordinate fully with relevant departments to arrange and pre-deploy necessary inventory and equipment to address potential disruptions, road closures, damages, and emergencies in vulnerable locations. Ensuring the availability of personnel is also a priority.
Furthermore, the departments are instructed to pre-warn the local community, tourists, and travelers in risk areas to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel or movement. Additionally, conducting mock drills is crucial to ensure timely evacuation, securing people’s lives and property in times of need.
