Climate risks rising

For communities across northern Pakistan, the sound of heavy rain has taken on a new and ominous meaning. What was once a natural rhythm of the mountains now signals the possibility of roads collapsing, rivers shifting course, and entire villages being cut off within hours. The latest glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert issued by the Met Office comes against this backdrop of heightened vulnerability. In 2022, extreme rainfall and glacial flooding wreaked havoc across Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, damaging homes, bridges, and transport links. In Hassanabad, Hunza, a sudden outburst swept away a vital bridge on the Karakoram Highway, disrupting travel and trade while residents improvised makeshift crossings. In Upper Chitral’s Reshun valley, families were forced to move livestock and belongings themselves as floodwaters surged through fragile terrain before substantial assistance could reach them.
These incidents are no longer isolated tragedies but part of a recurring seasonal reality. Pakistan possesses more glaciers than any country outside the polar regions, and rising temperatures are accelerating melt at a dangerous pace. When intense rainfall combines with unstable glacial lakes, torrents of mud, rocks, and debris can surge through narrow valleys with little warning. The Met Office has identified vulnerable districts and urged residents to remain alert to early signs such as changes in water colour, unusual sounds, or rising stream levels. In many places, local observation remains the first line of defence. Yet too often, preparedness has depended almost entirely on the resilience of communities themselves. Villagers, volunteers, and small disaster committees continue to shoulder responsibilities that demand stronger institutional support.
Communication systems frequently fail, access roads remain fragile, and rescue operations are slowed by terrain and poor planning. Authorities must act before the weather worsens. Relief supplies should already be positioned, evacuation routes checked, and uninterrupted communication ensured with remote valleys. The pressure on northern communities is growing, and the state response must keep pace.
The challenge is not only environmental but structural. Climate change is intensifying risks, but weak governance and inadequate planning magnify the damage. Each flood exposes gaps in coordination, infrastructure, and disaster management. Pakistan’s northern valleys are vital not only for local livelihoods but also for national connectivity and trade. Protecting them requires foresight, investment, and political will.
The Glof alerts are warnings that cannot be ignored. They remind us that resilience is not built overnight but through sustained preparation and institutional commitment. Communities have shown remarkable courage, but courage alone cannot substitute for a comprehensive state response. If Pakistan is to safeguard its northern regions, authorities must move beyond reactive measures and embrace proactive planning. The mountains will continue to bear the weight of climate change, but whether their valleys remain habitable depends on how seriously we prepare today.