Peshawar, June 27, 2026: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert warning of a possible risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the upper mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid rising temperatures and an ongoing heatwave.
According to the PDMA, unusually high temperatures are accelerating glacier and snowmelt in northern districts, increasing the likelihood of unstable glacial lakes forming and potentially bursting, which could trigger flash floods in downstream areas.
The alert has been issued for the districts of Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Kohistan, and Mansehra. The authority has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure continuous monitoring of vulnerable glacial zones. Rescue services, emergency personnel, and heavy machinery have been placed on standby to respond to any possible emergency situation.
Officials have also directed local authorities to maintain early warning systems and ensure timely evacuation of residents in high-risk areas if needed. Tourists and the general public have been advised to avoid rivers, streams, and glacial regions, particularly during periods of intense heat or rainfall.
The PDMA further warned that any sudden glacial lake breach could result in severe downstream flooding, threatening infrastructure, road networks, and local communities in mountainous valleys.