Several mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Neelum Valley have been declared sensitive amid heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has identified Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche and Kharmang in Gilgit-Baltistan, along with Neelum Valley, as particularly vulnerable areas.
The warning comes as rising temperatures accelerate glacier and snowmelt across northern Pakistan, increasing the risk of sudden flooding from glacial lakes. Heavy monsoon rainfall could further raise water levels in rivers, streams and seasonal nullahs, while unstable slopes remain vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls.
The NDMA has directed relevant departments and local administrations to maintain close monitoring of sensitive glaciers, lakes, rivers and streams. Authorities have also been advised to move emergency resources into vulnerable locations and ensure evacuation arrangements are in place.
Residents and tourists have been urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from riverbanks, streams, low-lying areas and potentially dangerous slopes. The public has also been warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water.
The latest alert highlights the growing weather-related risks facing Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions, where communities and tourism infrastructure remain particularly exposed to sudden flooding and landslides.
Authorities are continuing to monitor weather conditions and water levels, with further warnings possible if rainfall intensifies or glacier-related hazards increase.