Chilas and Bunji areas hit with new extreme maximum temperature.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a maximum temperature of 48.5°C in Chilas was recorded on Saturday.
The temperature recorded in Bunji was 46.1°C.
Where are Chilas and Bunji?
Both Chilas and Bunji are in Gilgit Balistan.
“These persistent high temperatures over northern areas may accelerate snow and glacier melt, triggering Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) and flash flood incidents in vulnerable valleys and surrounding regions during upcoming week,” the PMD stated.
Previous record temperatures in Chilas and Bunji
Back in 1900’s, maximum record of 47.7°C hit Chilas and 46.1°C temperature hit Bunji.
Earlier, a warning was issued by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for the areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding Glacial flood.
According to NDMA, there is a possibility of flooding in vulnerable valleys due to rising temperatures.
Currently, all federal ministries, provincial governments, line departments, and municipal administrations are on high alert after Glacial flood alert.
Citizens have been asked to avoid unnecessary movement near nullahs, streams, and fast-flowing water channels, and to exercise extreme caution, especially in low-lying areas.
Tourists have been strongly advised against trekking or taking photographs near glaciers, with authorities warning of the high risk of untoward incidents. A detailed vulnerability map of GLOF-prone sites in KP and GB has been circulated among relevant agencies to aid in response planning.
GLOF is a release of meltwater from a moraine- or ice-dam glacial lake due to dam failure.
