NDMA issued GLOF alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan
Chitral Times Report
ISLAMABAD: NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center has issued a GLOF alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. NEOC has warned of possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan due to rising temperatures and expected heavy rainfall from July 17 to 23, 2024.
This may lead to increased water levels in local rivers and streams, landslides, and flash flooding. NDMA has directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to coordinate with relevant departments to ensure necessary preparations and emergency response measures. Departments have been instructed to alert local communities, tourists, and travelers in the areas at risk and to avoid unnecessary travel.
Mock drills should also be conducted in vulnerable areas to ensure timely evacuation and safety of people. NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public.
Meanwhile NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center anticipated Monsoon Rain wind/thundershower are expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, KP, Central & Northeastern Punjab from 17th to 21st July with occasional gaps. Consequently, Swat, Mingora, Battagram, Mardan, Swabi, Haripur, Abbotabad, Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala and Sialkot are expected to receive rain accumulation exceeding 50mm. It may cause increased water flow in local streams and nullahs creating flash flooding situations.
The rainfall may cause urban flooding and increased water levels in nullahs, and strong winds and lightning strikes are also expected. The NDMA has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather. The public is advised to take precautions to avoid flooding and to ensure their safety from lightning strikes. Avoid going outside during bad weather and keep a safe distance from electrical poles and wires. The NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public.
