The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for northern regions after a moderate westerly wave entered upper parts of the country, affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to the advisory issued on May 19, 2026, intermittent rain, windstorms, and isolated heavy rainfall are expected in vulnerable mountainous catchments, significantly increasing the risk of GLOFs, debris flows, and flash flooding.

The warning covers high-risk areas including Swat, Chitral, Dir, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, and Astore. The PMD’s GLOF Monitoring Cell is actively tracking rainfall activity in glaciated valleys such as Parishing, Sosat, Reshun Booni, Arkari, Matiltan, Mankeyal, Hisper-Hooper, Strangbut, Arandu, and Ghulkin.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to stay alert, avoid riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall, secure livestock and essential items at higher ground, and closely monitor sudden changes in water flow or unusual sounds from streams.

Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert, with instructions to maintain 24/7 readiness and ensure rapid communication through local committees and SMS alerts.

Officials have advised continuous coordination with community-based disaster risk management bodies to reduce potential risks as the weather system persists.