Glacial Flooding Alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan

A Glacial Flooding Alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan has been issued as unprecedented rainfall and rising temperatures threaten northwestern Pakistan with fresh natural disasters. This developing emergency has prompted authorities to sound high-level warnings amid predictions of more heavy rain in the coming days.

Climate change continues to amplify extreme weather in Pakistan, and recent days have witnessed torrential downpours causing landslides, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and flash flooding in several vulnerable mountainous regions.

Heavy Rain and Melting Glaciers Spark Concerns

Meteorologists have forecast prolonged monsoon rains combined with high-altitude temperature spikes — the perfect conditions for glacier melt and subsequent outburst flooding. According to Anwar Shahzad, spokesman of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), current rainfall levels have exceeded last year’s monsoon intensity, especially in sensitive zones of KP.

“These weather conditions are more intense than 2024. We are observing glacial degradation across the north, which significantly increases the risk of flooding,” he stated.

Heavy downpours have overwhelmed local drainage systems, and emergency warnings have been issued for regions with known glacial lakes.

Evacuation of Tourists and Impact on KP

In tourist-favored areas such as Naran and Babusar, more than 500 holidaymakers were safely evacuated after a cloudburst led to dangerous road blockages. Dr. Abdul Samad from the KP Tourism Department confirmed that heavy equipment was deployed to clear debris.

Yet despite these efforts, flash floods remain an immediate hazard to both residents and travelers.

“We advise tourists to remain cautious and avoid high-risk zones. Ongoing weather activity may worsen without notice,” said Dr. Samad.

This crisis hits right during Pakistan’s summer tourism peak, dealing a heavy blow to local economies reliant on seasonal travel.

Gilgit-Baltistan Faces Infrastructure Damage

The Gilgit-Baltistan region is facing the worst of this natural disaster. Glacial lake outburst floods have swept through villages, washing away homes, damaging roads, and cutting off entire communities. Government representative Faizullah Firaq described the situation as “widespread destruction.”

“Hundreds of tents and thousands of food packets have been distributed. Relief is ongoing,” he reported.

In Fairy Meadows, a renowned tourist spot, helicopter evacuations were carried out for stranded visitors. Rescue teams are working around the clock to establish temporary shelters and distribute emergency medical kits.

Memories of the 2022 Flood Disaster

This year’s severe weather is evoking chilling memories of the 2022 floods, which claimed 1,737 lives and submerged a third of Pakistan. The current toll stands at 260+ deaths, with rescue operations ongoing.

According to climate experts, these events are no longer “rare.” Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse emissions, remains one of the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations.

“We must act fast to climate-proof our infrastructure and relocate at-risk communities,” said a senior climate scientist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.