Islamabad : The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a glacial lake outburst flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, warning that rain, windstorms and isolated heavy falls could trigger flooding and debris flows in vulnerable areas from May 3.
It advised people living in glaciated valleys to avoid riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall and keep a close watch on local nullahs for sudden changes in water color or unusual sounds that may indicate an incoming surge.
The people were also asked to move livestock and essential belongings to safer higher ground and remain in contact with local disaster response committees and technical focal persons in remote valleys.
The PMD urged authorities to stay on high alert around the clock and take all necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation.
Meanwhile, rain lashed Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas on Saturday evening, bringing relief from rising temperatures.
The downpour came amid a weather advisory, with the PMD forecasting that rain causing phenomenon will persist until May 5 morning.
Under its influence, dust thunderstorms and rain with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper and central Punjab, including Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, while parts of Balochistan and upper Sindh may also receive windstorms and thunderstorms.
The department warned of possible damage to weak structures, landslides in hilly areas and crop losses due to hailstorms, advising residents and travellers to remain cautious.
