GBDMA beefs up preparedness measures amid GLOF threat.

ISLAMABAD -- The Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) has beefed up preparedness measures in the wake of looming glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) threat due to rising temperatures amid heatwaves.

The GBDMA officials confirmed that there was less impact of the prevailing heatwave on the melting Shisper Glacier falling in the vicinity of Hassanabad village of Hunza.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in its situation report sent to the GBDMA informed that if the prevailing weather conditions and temperature prevailed then the glacial lake water, which is very small at present, would drain out by the end of April or first week of May, the GBDMA Deputy Director told reporter.

He said if the lake size swelled then the glacial lake formed at the Shisper Glacier might burst due to the expected rise in temperatures in the valley.

To a question, he said keeping in view the prevailing situation and expected glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) the GBDMA teams were well prepared and trained to carry out community sensitization, local population's relocation and stockpiling ten days ahead of the Met Office's threat alert of GLOF.

Sher Mohammad of International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said that the Shisper Glacier started...