ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a landslide and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) alert for the northern areas, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, from July 10 to 14.
The NEOC alert stated that landslides could occur in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other mountainous areas from July 11 to 13, urging tourists and the public to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, it also issued an alert for flash floods, overflowing of glacial lakes and rivers in the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir from July 10 to 14.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-windstorms and thundershowers across the northern areas and plains of the country over the weekend until July 13.
The Met Office further warned that heavy rains may cause urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad during the period.
Amid the severe weather conditions, the NDMA has declared the areas of Badswat, Ashkoman, Hanarchi, Tarsat, Hundor, Awer, Chanter, Gopis, Yasin, Roshan, and Altar in Gilgit-Baltistan sensitive to flooding from glacial lakes.
The areas of Chitiboi, Thalo-1 and 2, Reshwan, Breep, Boni, Sardar Gol, Pindoro Chat, Khulwa, Haspar-Hpar, Ghalkan, Galtang, and Surround have also been declared sensitive to glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
Landslide alert
Furthermore, the authority said that landslides and rockfalls are expected on major roads across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Murree, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and mainly the Karakoram Highway.
The Jaglot-Skardu Road, Hunza-Gujal Road, Gilgit-Ghizer, Naltar, Bagrot and Hormosh have been declared sensitive for landslides.
The NDMA has directed the public and tourists to avoid unnecessary mountain travel and take precautionary measures.
According to the alert, due to rising temperatures and rains, there is a risk of flash floods, debris flows, and overflowing of rivers and streams in glacial valleys.
“The public should stay away from glacial areas, rivers, and floodways and follow the instructions of the administration,” it stated, adding that the risk of erosion in local streams and possible landslides and rockfalls may increase further.
The NDMA has issued instructions to the local administration to prepare to deal with the emergency.
