The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high-alert Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) warning for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and other northern mountainous regions.

According to the alert, a westerly wave is expected to affect northern Pakistan from the night of April 2 until April 8, bringing intermittent heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hilltops and high-altitude valleys.

Areas likely to be hit include Mankiyal, Matiltan, Kumrat, Utror-Gabral in Swat, Kandia Valley, Chitral’s Resun-Booni, Arkari, and Madaklasht, as well as GB districts Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Astore, Guanche, Diamer, Kharmong, Skardu, and Shigar.

The PMD warned that persistent rainfall combined with snowmelt may cause flash flooding, glacial lake outbursts, landslides, mudslides, and debris flow in vulnerable valleys. The Chitral and Swat rivers and their tributaries are at risk of overflowing in certain stretches, while mountain roads and communication links may face temporary closures due to debris and flash runoff.

Authorities and residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures to prevent casualties and property damage.