NDMA warns of increasing glacier melt and potential disasters in Pakistan

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik has highlighted alarming trends in glacier melt and disaster occurrences in Pakistan. Speaking at a seminar organized by the National Commission on the Status of Women, he revealed that over 23% of the country’s glaciers are melting, with at least 3% experiencing sudden bursts.

Lt Gen Malik emphasized that many lessons had been learned from the devastating floods of 2022, leading to the establishment of a National Think Tank and a National Emergency Response Center. He noted that in 2024, Pakistan has already witnessed forest fires and accelerated glacier melting, which have significantly increased the frequency of natural disasters by 3-4%. “More than 3% of the glaciers are bursting and more than 23% of the country’s glaciers are melting,” he stressed.

The chairman expressed concerns about the severe impact on coastal communities, who are currently facing substantial hardships. Additionally, the country is experiencing heavy rainfall coupled with a significant water shortage, exacerbating the risk of a food disaster. Lt Gen Malik’s remarks underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and bolster disaster preparedness in Pakistan.

Read More: NDMA warns of heavy rain and potential flooding across Pakistan in July

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecasted hot and dry weather in most parts of the country today, with a chance of rain in a few places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar, Punjab, and Sindh. In Islamabad, temperatures are expected to soar to 41 degrees Celsius, with hot and dry conditions prevailing in the capital and surrounding areas. Lahore will see a high of 42 degrees Celsius, while Karachi, known for its hot and humid weather, will experience temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius throughout the day.

Currently, the temperature in Karachi is recorded at 31 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing at a speed of 7 km per hour, expected to increase to 18 km per hour later in the day. The city also faces a high humidity ratio of 70%. Despite the heat, a sea breeze is likely to resume today, bringing some relief to Karachi residents.

In other parts of the country, the maximum temperature is expected to reach 48 degrees Celsius in Dadu. Hot and dry conditions will prevail during the day in most regions, including Islamabad and its surrounding areas, but the evening may bring some respite with wind and thundershowers expected in a few places.