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Arab News
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Pakistan issues fresh flood, GLOF alert as monsoon rains kill 64 this week
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a fresh warning regarding flash floods and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events on Wednesday citing severe weather conditions, as heavy monsoon rains killed 63 across the country in one week. According to the NDMA, the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province reported the highest number of casualties due to rain-related incidents since June 26, 22, followed by Punjab with 21, Sindh with 15 and five in Balochistan. At least 113 were injured throughout the country, among them 45 children, 37 men and 31 women. The disaster management authority has warned provincial and local authorities to stay on high alert throughout the monsoon season, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas, as heavy rains continue to batter parts of Punjab and KP. A deadly flash flood last week in the northwestern Swat Valley swept away 17 members of a single tourist family during a sudden rise in water levels. Twelve bodies have been recovered so far, according to rescue officials, with search operations ongoing for the remaining person. 'National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of NDMA has issued multiple impact-based weather alerts for various regions of Pakistan in light of forecasted severe weather conditions expected from 2nd to 8th July 2025,' the NDMA said. 'These alerts highlight the growing risk of flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and urban flooding in different parts of the country.' The NDMA said low to moderate rainfall is likely to continue until July 5, after which an active southwest monsoon system, coupled with a westerly wave, is expected to enter the country and generate moderate to heavy rainfall and localized thunderstorms. 'The most affected regions are upper catchments of major rivers including Central and Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the northeastern parts of Punjab, particularly Lahore,' the authority said. It warned of increased river flows across the country, River Kabul in particular and warning that inflows into Tarbela Dam may reach the low flood limit. The NDMA said flash floods in riverine areas, especially where nullahs and local streams converge, may pose threats to nearby settlements. 'Simultaneously, the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and landslides has increased in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where ongoing high temperatures have accelerated glacier and snow melt,' the NDMA said. 'The situation is further aggravated by incoming moist currents and rainfall. Vulnerable glacial valleys and narrow mountain passes may face sudden GLOF events, flash floods, road blockages, and disruptions to infrastructure and tourism.' The NDMA warned that in northeastern Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal districts, local nullahs such as Aik, Deg, Bein, Basantar, and Palku may overflow, causing waterlogging and urban flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. In D.G. Khan and Rajanpur, hill torrents may also be activated, causing localized low-level flooding. The authority urged the public to take precautionary measures, warning residents against unnecessary travel. 'Tourists are advised against visiting high-altitude and glacial regions during this period,' it said. 'Municipal and district administrations are instructed to ensure readiness of flood response teams, clearing of storm water drains and nullahs, and maintaining rapid response capabilities.' Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, facing increasingly frequent and intense weather events such as heatwaves, droughts and torrential rains. In 2022, a combination of heavy monsoon rains and glacial melt caused catastrophic floods that killed more than 1,700 people and caused damage estimated at over $33 billion.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba submits representation to Parliamentary panel seeking restoration of flight operations at Pakyong airport
Sikkim's lone Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Monday (June 30, 2025) met Sanjay Kumar Jha, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, and submitted a representation seeking urgent intervention for the restoration of flight operations at Pakyong airport and connectivity in the northern parts of the State. A statement from the MP's office said that Mr. Subba briefed Mr. Jha about the ongoing crisis faced by the people and tourism stakeholders in North Sikkim following repeated natural disasters — notably the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 4, 2023 and the flash flood of June 1 this year. 'These events severely damaged infrastructure, particularly the Toong-Naga stretch, cutting off vital destinations such as Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Katao, Kalapathar, and Gurudongmar Lake,' it said. 'In the representation, Mr. Subba called for immediate support in areas such as the restoration of all damaged roads and bridges leading to key tourist hubs in the State, the development of climate-resilient infrastructure including elevated roads and tunnels, and a special relief package for tourism stakeholders including homestays, tour operators, and transporters and banking assistance, including moratoriums, restructuring of loans, waiver of penal interest, and emergency credit lines,' the statement said. 'He also highlighted the strategic importance of these roads for national security owing to their proximity to the India-China border,' it said. The representation also addressed issues at Pakyong airport and requested the immediate resumption of SpiceJet flights connecting Pakyong to Delhi and other key cities, the expansion of runway from 1.75 km to 3 km to enable operation of larger aircraft and the procurement of Bombardier Q-400 aircraft by Air India and other carriers, ideal for regional operations at Pakyong. Sikkim landslide: Body of Army man recovered, search underway for five others The MP noted that Sikkim recently celebrated its golden jubilee of Statehood, and that strengthening connectivity would support the State's progress. The Parliamentary committee is on a five-day visit to the Himalayan State.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
NDMA issues GLOF alert for Pakistan's northern areas
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Wednesday, issuing a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for northern areas of Pakistan especially in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has advised the relevant authorities to take all the precautionary measures. National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of NDMA has cited a dangerous combination of persistent high temperatures, intensified monsoon currents, and a prevailing westerly wave. NEOC said that sudden outbursts from these glacial lakes may trigger flash floods, posing a serious threat to human lives, livestock, and agriculture. Damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and communication networks is likely, and access to remote valleys may be temporarily disrupted. Over the past several weeks, sustained heat has accelerated snow and glacier's melt in northern regions. The added influence of monsoon rains and thunderstorms have now significantly increased hydro meteorological pressure on glacial lakes, raising the risk of sudden GLOF events. Valleys that are already identified as vulnerable including Reshun, Brep, Booni Chitral, Sardar Gol, Thalu 1 and 2, Badswat, Hinarchi, Darkut, and Hundur are at heightened risk. The NDMA urged residents, tourists, and trekkers to avoid travel near glaciers, glacial lakes, and riverbanks in the identified areas during this period. Locals are advised to stay informed through official alerts and cooperate with local authorities on evacuation instructions where necessary. The public is also encouraged to report any unusual water flows, sounds, or signs of glacier movement to local disaster management officials. The NDMA remains in coordination with relevant provincial and district authorities to ensure timely response and risk mitigation. Citizens are encouraged to download the 'Pak NDMA Disaster Alert' mobile application. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
7 days ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Pakistan issues glacial lake outburst warning for northern areas as temperatures soar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) this week issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for the country's northern areas, citing 'persistent high temperatures' and intense monsoon currents as the main reasons. Pakistan is consistently ranked among the countries most adversely affected by climate change. Climate change has triggered irregular weather patterns in the country, which include unusually heavy rains, droughts and heat waves. In a press release on Wednesday, the NDMA said sustained heat for the past several weeks has accelerated snow and glacier melt in Pakistan's northern regions. 'The added influence of monsoon rains and thunderstorms have now significantly increased hydrometeorological pressure on glacial lakes, raising the risk of sudden GLOF events,' the NDMA said. It said Reshun, Brep, Booni, Sardar Gol, Thalu 1 and 2, Badswat, Hinarchi, Darkut and Hundur valleys are at 'heightened risk' in case of a GLOF events. 'Sudden outbursts from these glacial lakes may trigger flash floods, posing a serious threat to human lives, livestock, and agriculture,' the disaster management authority said. 'Damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and communication networks is likely, and access to remote valleys may be temporarily disrupted.' The NDMA urged residents, tourists and trekkers to avoid traveling near glaciers, glacial lakes and riverbanks in the identified areas. It urged locals to stay informed through official alerts and cooperate with authorities on evacuation instructions where necessary. Floods in 2022, brought by record monsoon rains and glacial melt in northern mountains, killed over 1,700 people and impacted 33 million people out of a population of 220 million. Raging currents swept away homes, vehicles, crops and livestock in damages estimated at $30 billion.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
NDMA issues GLOF alert for northern areas
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Wednesday, issuing a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for northern areas of Pakistan especially in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has advised the relevant authorities to take all the precautionary measures. National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of NDMA has cited a dangerous combination of persistent high temperatures, intensified monsoon currents, and a prevailing westerly wave. NEOC said that sudden outbursts from these glacial lakes may trigger flash floods, posing a serious threat to human lives, livestock, and agriculture. Damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and communication networks is likely, and access to remote valleys may be temporarily disrupted. Over the past several weeks, sustained heat has accelerated snow and glacier's melt in northern regions. The added influence of monsoon rains and thunderstorms have now significantly increased hydro meteorological pressure on glacial lakes, raising the risk of sudden GLOF events. Valleys that are already identified as vulnerable including Reshun, Brep, Booni Chitral, Sardar Gol, Thalu 1 and 2, Badswat, Hinarchi, Darkut, and Hundur are at heightened risk. The NDMA urged residents, tourists, and trekkers to avoid travel near glaciers, glacial lakes, and riverbanks in the identified areas during this period. Locals are advised to stay informed through official alerts and cooperate with local authorities on evacuation instructions where necessary. The public is also encouraged to report any unusual water flows, sounds, or signs of glacier movement to local disaster management officials. The NDMA remains in coordination with relevant provincial and district authorities to ensure timely response and risk mitigation. Citizens are encouraged to download the 'Pak NDMA Disaster Alert' mobile application. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
