On Saturday, the Department of Meteorology of Pakistan reported that new extreme temperature records were established in the areas of Chilas and Bunji of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a press release.
Currently, the country is experiencing high summer temperatures, with the PMD informing in June that ‘it feels like’ temperatures crossed 50 degrees Celsius in four cities.
According to today’s press release, both cities recorded extreme temperatures that destroyed the previous records.
The PMD registered a maximum temperature of 48.5 ° C in Chilas today, breaking the maximum previous historical record of 47.7 ° C on July 17, 1997.
Meanwhile, the temperature registered in Bunji was 46.1 ° C. The maximum previous historical record was 45.6 ° C on July 12, 1971.
“These high persistent temperatures in northern areas can accelerate snow and melting glaciers, triggering Glof (flooding of the Glacial Lake) and sudden flooding incidents, in vulnerable valleys and surrounding regions during the next week,” the PMD warned, citing a warning broadcast on Friday.
Glof refers to the sudden release of water and rubble of a glacial lake, which leads to the loss of lives, properties and livelihoods in mountain communities. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, more than 7.1 million people in Gilgit Baltistan and KP are vulnerable.
A day ago, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PDMA) provincial disaster management authority had warned the administrations of five districts about Glof’s high risk due to a significant increase in temperatures and the next meteorological system.
In a notice issued to the attached commissioners of the upper and lower Chitral, Superior Dir, Swat and Kohistan Superior, the PDMA said that the PMD had formally informed that there was a significant increase in temperatures and the weather system soon in the northern parts of the country, it is very likely that the risk of GLOF will increase in the glazed areas of the province of the province.
The PDMA said that in view of the previous climatic conditions, officials were requested to take all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid any loss of human and animal life and damage to infrastructure and crops.
He urged the authorities to undertake proactive monitoring and vulnerable GLOF sites to guarantee a timely early alert and response, carry out evacuation exercises in communities at risk to guarantee total preparation and ensure that safe evacuation sites are completely supplied and ready for use in case of any eventuality.
