- NDMA asks public in risky areas to exercise extra caution, follow instructions in emergency situations
- It predicts GLOF in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy rainfall in various areas of Sindh
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday warned of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan regions while also predicting thundershowers in Sindh over the next 72 hours.
Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented monsoon rains and flash floods in recent years, which have claimed a significant number of lives and caused extensive infrastructure damage.
Policymakers and experts have attributed these extreme weather events to Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. Two years ago, torrential rains and floods killed over 1,700 people and caused estimated losses of over $30 billion to the Pakistani economy.
This year, the death toll from nearly six weeks of monsoon rains and floods across Pakistan has surpassed 150, with the country’s meteorological department predicting more downpours.
“In light of higher temperatures and prevailing weather conditions, including rain / wind-thunderstorms up to 12 August 2024, there is increased risk of GLOF events, flash floods, landslides / mudslides, in vulnerable areas of GB and KP, especially in Districts Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Astore, Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, and adjoining areas,” the NDMA warned in an official statement.
“The public is advised to avoid unnecessary movement in such areas, especially the discharge nullahs/ streams and rivers,” it added. “Population at risk is advised to exercise extra caution and follow instructions from local authorities for safe evacuation in case of emergency.”
The statement also mentioned the NDMA had issued instructions to relevant departments, asking them to take precautions against possible flooding and extreme weather in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In a separate advisory, it identified several areas in Sindh province that were likely to experience rain, wind and thunderstorms until August 12.
These places include Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Karachi, Khairpur, Larkana, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Naushero Feroze, Sajawal, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Thatta and Umerkot.
The NDMA advised keeping the drainage systems in all these areas clean to avoid waterlogging.
“Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flooded waters,” the official statement said. “Use alternative routes to avoid areas prone to flooding.”
“Be aware of open manholes and submerged obstacles,” it added. “Unplug electrical appliances during heavy rains to avoid short circuits. Do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands.”
