MANSEHRA: The Upper Kohistan district administration has taken precautionary measures to avert possible human and property losses from potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) as massive snow deposits continue to melt rapidly amid the ongoing heatwave, an official said on Friday.
“We have adopted measures to minimise human and property losses in glacial lake outburst flood-prone areas of our district, while awareness sessions are also being held with local communities,” Azizullah Jan, the deputy commissioner of Upper Kohistan, told reporters.
He said that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority had issued a warning of GLOF in Kohistan during the ongoing week until May 31, stating that expected heavy rains and hot weather could trigger flash floods in the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Passengers travelling between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, and on link roads, particularly in Kandia Valley, should remain vigilant about flash floods and possible blockades of roads,” he added.
He said that the district administration had already been put on alert, while relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, had also been directed to remain prepared.“A team of the district administration led by me visited Kandia valley, checked the GLOF early warning systems installed at various points, and warned local communities to remain vigilant and shift to safer places along with their livestock if needed,” he went on to add.
