PDMA Issues Urgent GLOF Warning for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amid Heavy Rains

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a critical advisory regarding the increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) due to heavy rainfall and flash floods in the region. This warning, released on July 4, 2025, comes as the province grapples with significant weather disruptions, particularly affecting the glacial areas of Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan.

GLOF refers to the sudden release of water and debris from a glacial lake, which can lead to catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and substantial damage to property and livelihoods in mountainous communities. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, over 7.1 million individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are deemed vulnerable to such natural disasters.

The PDMA emphasized that rising temperatures contribute to glacier melting, subsequently increasing the likelihood of flash floods. In the issued advisory, residents of the vulnerable districts were urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential glacial outbursts. The district administration has been directed to monitor sensitive areas and ensure timely warning and evacuation procedures are in place.

The authority has also recommended that residents avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and canals and advised against driving through fast-flowing waters. Moreover, tourists visiting the region have been cautioned to take necessary precautions. Emergency evacuation sites have been established in areas identified as at risk, and local rescue services have been placed on high alert with the requisite emergency equipment.

The PDMA's advisory follows a grim report from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which confirmed that heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have resulted in 64 fatalities and 117 injuries nationwide within a week. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been particularly hard-hit, with 23 deaths reported, including ten children. Fourteen individuals were swept away during a flash flood in the Swat Valley last week.

As the region braces for continued adverse weather conditions, the PDMA has issued warnings about the potential for flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides from July 5 to July 11. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted the intensification of moist currents over the region, raising the risk of riverine flooding, especially in the Chitral, Swat, Panjkora, and Kabul rivers.

Authorities have been instructed to continuously monitor rivers, streams, and local rainfed nullahs, ensuring that drainage systems are kept clear to facilitate efficient water flow and mitigate the risk of urban flooding. Public awareness campaigns are underway, aiming to educate citizens about the necessary precautions to minimize potential losses. Additionally, the PDMA's Emergency Operation Centre remains fully operational, and the public is encouraged to contact them at 1700 for further information.

The ongoing situation underscores the increasing vulnerability of communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures. With the threat of extreme weather events becoming more prevalent due to climate change, officials emphasize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives and property in the region.