ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has issued a high-priority landslide alert for the northern regions of Pakistan, effective from July 11 to 13.
Concurrently, a flash flood and river overflow alert has been declared for the hilly areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir, spanning July 10 to 14.
In its latest advisory, the NDMA emphasized that the current weather conditions align with its advance forecasts, which had anticipated heightened risks in these regions.
“The authority is actively conducting preemptive assessments of potential hazards and ensuring the timely dissemination of critical information to all relevant agencies to mitigate risks and enhance preparedness,” the alert reads.
Several locations have been flagged as particularly vulnerable to flooding from glacial lakes, including Badswat, Ashkoman, Hanarchi, Tarsat Hundor, Altar, Awer, Chanter, Gopis, Yasin, Roshan, Hawkes, Chatiboi, Thalo-1 and 2, Reshwan, Breep, Boni, Sardar Gol, Pindoro Chat, Khawlu, Haspar-Hpar, Ghalkan, Gultang, and surrounding areas.
Additionally, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Murree, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and the Karakoram Highway are at elevated risk of landslides and rockfalls. Key transportation routes such as Jaglot-Skardu Road, Hunza-Gujal Road, Gilgit-Ghazr, Naltar, Bagrot, and Hormosh have been designated as landslide-sensitive zones, requiring heightened vigilance.
Public Advisory and Safety Measures
In light of rising temperatures and persistent rainfall, the NDMA has warned of the increased likelihood of flash floods, debris flows, and river overflows in glacial valleys, strongly advising the public and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in mountainous areas and to adhere strictly to precautionary measures.
Residents and visitors have been urged to steer clear of glacial regions, rivers, and floodplains, and to comply with all directives issued by local administrations.
The NDMA has also highlighted the potential for erosion in local drains and an elevated risk of landslides, particularly in steep and unstable terrains.
Travelers and tourists have also been advised to exercise extreme caution on mountainous and landslide-prone routes, avoiding non-essential journeys and refraining from traveling near hazardous slopes.
The NDMA has further instructed local administrations to prepare for emergency situations and ensure rapid response mechanisms are in place.
To ensure public safety, the NDMA has directed citizens to rely on the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for authentic, real-time updates and safety guidelines.
