National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an alert and stating there was a risk of glaciers bursting and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan due to the ‘extreme heat wave’.

The authority alerted concerned departments about the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) threat.

According to the alert, from May 21st to 27th, there is a risk of severe flooding and landslides in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

NDMA said SPARCO has been monitoring the GLOF site areas.

Mock drills in risk-prone areas

The NDMA has said that the concerned areas should be in constant contact so that immediate action can be taken in case of a flood or any other emergency, conduct mock drills to ensure timely evacuation of people in the risk-prone areas.

After the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted a possible GLOF in KP and GB, the NDMA issued instructions to PDMA, KP and GBDMA.

In view of increasing temperature and meteorological conditions, GLOF or severe floods, landslides and strong winds were likely to increase in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from May 21 to 27.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authorities have been directed to be in full coordination with the concerned departments to arrange and pre-deploy necessary inventory and equipment in case of any disruptions, road closures and damage as well as emergencies in vulnerable locations whereas availability of personnel can be ensured.

The departments are further directed to pre-warn the local community, tourists and travelers in risk areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel or movement.

However, the departments should also conduct mock drills to ensure timely evacuation so that people’s lives and property could be secured in time of need.