Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a `GLOF-Alert’, warning of widespread rain, wind thunderstorms and isolated heavy falls across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in wake of a moderate westerly wave expected to enter upper regions of the country from May 3 (Sunday).
“The Research & Development Division of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has intimated that a moderate westerly wave is expected to enter upper regions of the country from 3rd May,” reads the warning issued by PMDA here on Saturday.
During this period, widespread rain, wind thunderstorms, and isolated heavy falls, are anticipated across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it added.
The sudden increase in temperatures followed by widespread precipitation significantly elevates the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), debris flow and flash flooding in vulnerable areas especially in Swat, Upper Chitral & Dir.
In view of the above weather conditions, the Deputy Commissioners of Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Dir Upper, Swat and Kohistan Upper are requested to take all necessary precautionary measures to avoid any loss of life, livestock and damages to infrastructure and crops.
Furthermore, all concerned authorities are requested to take the following safety measures including undertake proactive monitoring and surveillance of vulnerable GLOF Sites in order to ensure timely early warning and response.
They are also advised to conduct evacuation drills in at-risk communities in order to ensure full preparedness.
To ensure that safe evacuation sites are fully stocked and ready for utilization in case of any eventuality, alert population residing in low lying areas, ensure that local community of at-risk/ vulnerable areas is forewarned, ensure availability of Emergency, Rescue Services personnel and C&W departments during the period.
Authorities must conduct mass awareness campaign for general public on GLOFs in at risk areas covering following aspects, avoid unnecessary movement in such areas, especially the discharge nullahs, streams and rivers, risk, consequences and danger of washing away of vehicles in fast-flowing water channels, monitor local nullahs for sudden changes in water color (muddiness) or unusual sounds (grinding rocks).
Measures should be taken for alerting general masses living in low-lying areas to exercise extra caution including community-based alert system, secure livestock and essentials in higher safe grounds, coordinate closely with community based Disaster Risk Management Committees (CBDRMCs), maintain active communication links with technical focal persons in remote valleys.
The advisory also include measures for evacuation plan of at-risk community and its timely evacuation.
Tourists, travelers in at-risk, vulnerable areas be forewarned of risk and advised to avoid any unnecessary travel, coordinate with concerned departments (NHA, FWO and C&W) for the timely restoration of roads in case of any blockage, obstruction/ closures and damage.
In case of heightened risk, controlled breaching of vulnerable GLOF sites may be coordinated with the concerned departments to prevent sudden outburst events.
Similarly, in-case of any eventuality, routine updates will be shared with PEOC, PDMA i.e., active round the clock via toll free helpline 1700.