NDMA warns of flood and landslide risks in GB and KP from April 1 to 10

GILGIT: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between April 1 and 10.

According to an alert issued by the NDMA, the threat covers vulnerable areas in GB and KP as well as surrounding regions, particularly locations near glacier termini, in view of an expected widespread weather spell during the period.

The authority said there was an “increased risk” of Glof, flash floods, mudslides and landslides in these areas due to the forecast weather conditions. It also noted, “Over the past few days, temperatures over the northern mountainous regions remained above normal.”

The warning highlights concerns for communities living in high-risk mountainous zones where changing temperatures and incoming weather systems can heighten the possibility of sudden water surges, slope failures and related hazards.

The NDMA advised local communities to stay alert and asked the relevant authorities to adopt precautionary steps to protect lives and infrastructure. In its advisory, the authority urged federal ministers and departments, provincial governments and their departments, and district and municipal administrations to remain prepared in light of the prevailing situation.

The alert specifically relates to the April 1-10 period and focuses on areas considered vulnerable to weather-triggered disasters. The authority’s warning comes as above-normal temperatures have persisted in northern mountainous regions over recent days, a factor cited in the advisory.

Authorities asked to take precautionary measures

The NDMA said precautionary arrangements were needed to reduce risks to residents and public infrastructure in exposed areas. The advisory called on the concerned institutions at the federal, provincial, district and municipal levels to stay vigilant and respond in a timely manner if conditions worsen.

Local communities were also asked to remain cautious during the period covered by the alert. The warning centres on the possibility of Glof events, flash flooding and landslides in susceptible locations across GB and KP, especially in areas close to glacier termini.

The NDMA’s latest advisory sets out the risk window from April 1 to April 10 and links the threat to the expected weather spell and recent above-normal temperatures in the northern mountainous belt.