ISLAMABAD: Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan.
All five districts are heavily mountainous and difficult to reach in case of any disaster. The heavy rains in many regions of Pakistan, especially in the north west may lead to glacial lakes to burst, resulting in flash floods and land sliding, the Authority warned.
This alert came in the wake of severe rainfall which has, as of March 31, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and 72 people have been injured in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province since March 25. The recent casualties are attributed to roof and wall collapse in rural areas, with children making up a significant portion of the victims.
PDMA in this recent alert, has issued instructions to relevant district administrations to take emergency measures and to make advance preparations. District administrations are directed to ensure continuous monitoring of sensitive sites and to keep early warning systems active.
Relevant institutions and administrations have been instructed to conduct evacuation drills in areas considered high-risk. Emphasis has been placed on keeping evacuation centers in safe locations fully functional and equipped with necessary facilities.
Residents of low-lying areas are directed to remain immediately alert. PDMA has also issued Instructions to inform local populations regarding potential risks.
Rescue and emergency services personnel have been directed to remain ready at all times. Instructions have also been given to pre-position necessary machinery and equipment to deal with any emergency situation.
The public is advised to avoid unnecessary movement near streams, drains and rivers. Citizens are warned about the risk of vehicles being swept away in fast-flowing water. Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel toward sensitive regions.
In case of road closures or damage, instructions are given to maintain immediate contact with National Highway Authority (NHA) and other relevant authorities.
Directions issued to monitor the controlled discharge of glacial lakes in case of extreme danger. The PDMA Emergency Operations Center is fully functional; the public can contact the PDMA Helpline at 1700 in case of any emergency.
