PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed upper districts of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on high alert after a deadly spell of extreme weather, warning of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding.
The move comes as the province reels from fatalities and widespread damage caused by severe storms and structural collapses since March 25.
Glacial lake outburst floods occur when natural dams holding back glacial lakes suddenly fail, releasing massive volumes of water and debris.
These events can trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides, threatening downstream communities.
Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, PDMA Spokesperson Anwar Shehzad warned that the Malakand and Hazara regions face heightened risks.
“In Hazara we see a lot of landslides and in Malakand Division, there are glaciers in Swat, Kohistan, Upper Dir, Upper Chitral, and Lower Chitral. The risk of glacial outbursts is high here,” he said. “Heavy rains cause water levels in streams to rise, and the connected tributaries/nullahs then overflow. This water moves toward populated areas, increasing the flash flood risk.”
Shehzad described current weather patterns as “atypical,” noting that unusually early seasonal rains in March and April have intensified risks across the mountainous terrain.
Authorities have directed district administrations to shift into emergency mode, with continuous monitoring of vulnerable glacial sites and activation of early warning systems. Emergency personnel from Rescue 1122 and Civil Defense, along with heavy machinery, have been deployed at key locations to reduce response times.
While flood “thresholds” have not yet been breached, Shehzad said, “the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) is operating 24/7 to monitor river levels in real-time.”
The alert follows mounting human and infrastructural losses.
According to PDMA data, at least 25 people have died and 77 others injured since March 25. A total of 88 houses have been partially or completely destroyed, along with one school.
Many casualties occurred in rural areas, where heavy rains caused roofs and walls to collapse, with children among the victims.
With the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting further intense rainfall through early April, authorities have issued a strict travel advisory. Tourist and patrolling police have been deployed to restrict movement դեպի vulnerable northern areas.
Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks and streams, where fast-flowing water can quickly sweep away vehicles.
The PDMA has called on citizens to stay updated through official channels and report emergencies via its toll-free helpline, 1700.
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