Tourists urged to avoid northern routes till July 14

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of a high risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides and flash floods in northern areas, advising tourists to avoid mountain routes from July 10 to 14.

In an advisory, the NDMA's National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) said that landslide warnings would remain in effect from July 11 to 13, while alerts for glacial floods and river surges would continue across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir until July 14.

The authority said rising temperatures combined with ongoing heavy rainfall could trigger GLOFs, debris flows, sudden river surges and rockfalls in glacial valleys and other vulnerable areas.

The NEOC identified Badswat, Ashkoman, Hinarchi, Yasin, Khaplu, Hisper-Hoper, Gultang and nearby areas among the locations facing the highest risk.

It also warned travellers to exercise caution on key roads, including the Jaglot-Skardu, Hunza-Gojal and Gilgit-Ghizer highways, as well as routes leading to Naltar, Bagrot and Hermosh.

The NDMA urged people to stay away from glacial lakes, river channels and flood-prone areas, avoid travelling on landslide-prone roads and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

It said district administrations had been directed to conduct rapid hazard assessments, issue timely warnings and mobilise emergency response teams where required.

The authority also cautioned that riverbank erosion and debris flows could quickly worsen the situation in affected areas.

The NDMA advised residents and visitors to use its Disaster Alert app for official updates and safety information.