The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for several upper districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

It has warned of an increased risk of sudden flooding following hot weather and intermittent rainfall expected from the night of August 31 through September 4.

According to the PDMA, the prevailing hot conditions, coupled with intermittent rains, could accelerate glacier melting and increase the volume and water levels of glacial lakes. The bursting of these lakes could trigger sudden floods and rapid water flows in vulnerable mountainous areas.

It has alerted the administrations of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan and Mansehra and directed them to continuously monitor vulnerable GLOF locations and ensure timely warnings.

The authority has also instructed the administrations to conduct evacuation drills in vulnerable areas and keep designated safe locations prepared. Residents of low-lying areas are to be informed promptly about the potential threat.

The PDMA advised people to stay away from rivers, streams, glacial lakes and narrow mountain valleys. It has urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, camping and trekking in vulnerable areas.

It warned that fast-flowing water could sweep away vehicles and advised citizens to remain vigilant for changes in the colour of water in streams or unusual sounds, which could signal an approaching flood.

It advised residents in vulnerable areas to move livestock and essential belongings to elevated and safe locations and directed authorities to ensure the availability of rescue and emergency services.

According to the alert, PDMA’s Emergency Operations Centre is monitoring the situation round the clock. “The public has been advised to contact the PDMA’s toll-free helpline 1700 in case of an emergency,” it added.