MANSEHRA: The Upper Kohistan district administration has taken precautionary measures to avert possible loss of human life and property due to a threat of glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs), as massive snow deposits are melting fast amid the ongoing heatwave.

“We have adopted measures to minimise human and property losses that could be caused in glacial lake outburst flood-prone areas of our district, while awareness sessions are also being held with local communities,” Upper Kohistan Deputy Commissioner Azizullah Jan told reporters on Friday.

He said that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority had issued a Glof warning in Kohistan during the ongoing week until May 31, stating that expected heavy rains and hot weather could trigger flash floods in the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Passengers travelling between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, and on link roads, particularly in Kandia Valley, should remain vigilant about flash floods and possible blockages of roads,” Mr Jan said.

He said that the district administration had already been put on alert, while relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, had also been directed to remain prepared.

“A team of the district administration led by me visited Kandia Valley, checked the Glof early warning systems installed at various points and warned communities to remain vigilant and shift to safer places along with their livestock if needed,” Mr Jan said.

The official said that though tourists usually arrive in smaller numbers in Kohistan’s Glof-prone areas, policemen deployed at posts along the Karakoram Highway had been directed to ask visitors to remain cautious.

He said that people could contact the emergency helpline if there was an emergency.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026