Pakistan issues nationwide alert over fears of heavy rains, floods
Summary
Pakistan’s disaster agency has issued a nationwide alert due to forecasts of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flooding, especially in the northern mountainous areas. The country faces increased risks from melting glaciers, which create unstable glacial lakes that can burst and cause severe flooding.Key Facts
- Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a alert warning of storms and flooding in many areas over the next 12 to 24 hours.
- Northern regions like Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are most at risk of floods from heavy rain and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
- Cities such as Islamabad and Rawalpindi are also warned about possible urban flooding.
- Pakistan often experiences severe monsoon rains, with major floods happening in 2022 and 2025.
- Melting glaciers in Pakistan’s mountain ranges have created thousands of glacial lakes, 33 of which are known to be vulnerable to sudden, dangerous bursts.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods can release large volumes of water quickly, damaging farms, bridges, and communities downstream.
- Pakistan launched a project in 2017 with the UN to reduce GLOF risks by improving early warning systems and flood protections, but coverage remains limited.
- Some affected valleys still lack early warning systems, increasing the danger for residents.
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