ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday warned that rising temperatures during the summer could accelerate glacier and snow melt, raising the risk of floods in mountainous areas as it warned against traveling to hilly areas of the country.
Pakistan is recognized as one of the most severely impacted countries from climate change impacts worldwide, where heavy rains, floods and glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs) have often wreaked havoc. At least 1,000 people were killed last year when heavy monsoon rains and excess water released by Indian dams triggered flash floods across the country.
“The NDMA cautioned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier and snow melt, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.
It advised citizens to avoid visiting glacial lakes and unstable slopes, warning that travelers in hilly regions should expect possible disruptions as well. The NDMA said that strong winds and hail may damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles, urging people to stay in safe locations during storms and avoid unnecessary travel.
“All relevant departments have been directed to remain alert and take precautionary measures, while the public has been advised to follow official weather adviseries and use the NDMA disaster alert mobile application for timely updates,” APP reported.
The NDMA also warned that thunderstorms, with rain and possible hail, are expected across several regions within the next 12 to 24 hours. It highlighted areas in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan where heavy rains may occur.
Pakistan has struggled to grapples with climate change-related disasters in recent years. The country has suffered disastrous effects due to irregular weather patterns which include heatwaves, droughts, torrential rains and floods.
The South Asian country has frequently urged developed nations to operationalize the Loss and Damage fund to help out some of the developing countries, such as Pakistan, which suffer from floods and other disasters every year. Pakistan only contributes 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions.
