GILGIT: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs), flash floods and landslides in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from April 1 to 10.
According to an alert issued by the NDMA, there is an “increased risk” of Glofs, flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas of GB and KP and surrounding regions, particularly near glacier termini, due to an expected widespread weather spell during the period.
“Over the past few days, temperatures in the northern mountainous regions have remained above normal,” the authority said, advising local communities to remain vigilant. Relevant authorities were asked to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
The NDMA urged all federal ministries and departments, provincial governments and district and municipal administrations to proactively monitor vulnerable Glof sites to ensure timely early warning, evacuation and response.
It directed civic agencies and rescue services, including Rescue 1122, civil defence and fire brigades, to remain on alert and ensure the availability of personnel and equipment during the forecast period. It also advised the public to avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas, particularly near nullahs, streams and rivers.
Tourists were urged to avoid trekking in glacier-prone areas, refrain from taking pictures or videos near glaciers and strictly avoid approaching glacier sites to prevent any untoward incidents.
The alert came as rain and snowfall across GB on Sunday and Monday have already turned the weather unusually chilly, creating difficulties for residents.
Heavy rainfall partially blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in KP’s Lower and Upper Kohistan districts and in Hunza’s Nasirabad area in GB since Sunday night, the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) said.
Authorities added that traffic had been restored at multiple locations after remaining suspended for several hours.
Thousands of passengers travelling to and from other parts of the country faced difficulties and remained stranded at various points along the KKH.
The GBDMA advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during ongoing rainfall and to exercise caution while on the road, adding that administrative teams were actively monitoring the situation.
Upper areas of Gilgit-Baltistan received snowfall, while lower areas experienced intermittent rain, turning the weather unusually cold for late March. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA), temperatures in the region remained higher than usual during the winter season.
“People haven’t taken off warm clothes as snow is still being received in the upper areas, creating a winter-like atmosphere,” said Ghulam Abbas, a resident.
Experts said that over the past three years, snowfall in the region had been delayed, with many areas receiving less snow and temperatures remaining above normal. Snowfall in late January this year has raised concerns about flooding this summer.
According to the GBEPA, the average temperature in GB increased by about 0.6 degrees Celsius between 1987 and 2013. The region has witnessed a rise in flash floods, accelerated glacial melt and other climate-related hazards in recent years.
Rapid glacial melting, glacial outbursts and cloudbursts severely affected residents of GB last summer. Experts warned that people living downstream of rivers and glacial lakes could face serious risks again this year.
Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2026
