ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the first week of August.
Meanwhile, commuters remained stranded in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan as road access to several areas remained cut off for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday due to Glofs and flash floods.
The PMD said in continuation of the alert issued on July 17, the combined effect of warm thermal regime and ongoing intermittent precipitation was likely to continue across GB and KP till the first week of August.
“This significant warming with intermittent rain will substantially accelerate snow and ice melt in the glaciated valleys of these regions,” it added.
Consequently, the Met Office said, water levels in river streams of these valleys were likely to remain high, the existing glacial lakes might rapidly expand with an increase in their water levels, and new glacial lakes were likely to form due to a high volume of melted water.
“The possible impacts include vulnerable downstream locations and low-lying areas adjacent to stream/riverbeds may face a high risk of sudden high flows.
The Met Office also forecast flash flooding in vulnerable locations and narrow valleys.
What’s Glof?
A Glof refers to the sudden release of water and debris from a glacial lake, potentially resulting in loss of lives, property, and livelihoods in mountain communities. Over 7.1 million people in GB and KP are vulnerable to the phenomenon, according to the climate change ministry.
Pakistan hosts over 13,032 glaciers, the largest reservoir of glaciers outside of the polar regions.
