Pakistan has issued an urgent glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) warning in its northwestern regions, as above-average monsoon rains intensify risks of flash floods and landslides. Officials fear a repeat of the devastating 2022 floods, which killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions.
According to Anwar Shahzad, spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has been experiencing significantly heavier rainfall than last year. In parallel, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)—home to Pakistan’s largest glacial reserves—is facing destruction across multiple districts, including damage to homes, farmlands, and vital infrastructure.
Flash floods recently impacted nine villages along the Babusar Highway, prompting rescue operations. Emergency teams have evacuated over 500 stranded tourists from popular destinations like Naran and Fairy Meadows using helicopters and heavy machinery.
In the wake of a cloudburst on Tuesday, authorities reported three deaths and the stranding of 200+ tourists, who have since been rescued. Relief agencies have distributed tents, food, and medical kits to affected communities in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB).
Officials attribute this escalating threat to a dangerous combination of high temperatures and torrential rains, accelerating glacial melt and triggering outburst floods. “While weather alerts help, not all tourists take them seriously,” said Zakir Hussein, head of the GB Disaster Management Authority.
Pakistan, home to over 7,000 glaciers, is among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. The monsoon season, expected to last until mid-September, has already claimed 260 lives this year.
Experts warn that urbanisation, poor drainage, and climate-driven extremes are compounding the destructive effects of monsoons in South Asia.