ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Friday issued an early threat alert for glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to predicted heatwave in the coming week and directed the quarters concerned to ensure proper preparedness and precautionary measures.
In a GLOF advisory issued here, it said as per the alert issued by Pakistan Metrological department, temperature in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is expected to remain 5°C to 7°C higher than normal in the next 5 to 6 days, creating heatwave.
“The heatwave more likely will enhance melting rate of snow and ice which may trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and flash flood in vulnerable areas of GB & KP.
PDMA KP, GBDMA & DDMA Hunza have been directed to remain vigilant, alert and to take all precautionary measures in light of Shishper Glacial Lake reformation and increased chances of GLOF and coordinate accordingly with local administration and concerned departments”, it said.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) KP, GBDMA and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Hunza were further directed to ensure local community and tourists/travelers be forewarned in at-risk/vulnerable areas and make certain availability of emergency and rescue service personnel and equipment for rapid response, it said.
