Unusually warm temperatures and ongoing rainfall are accelerating glacial melt in northern Pakistan, raising the risk of catastrophic flooding and leaving thousands stranded as roads remain cut off for a fifth day. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), warning that the combination of heat and precipitation could trigger sudden releases of water and debris from glacial lakes. Main Developments The PMD alert, issued on Sunday, covers the first week of August and follows a previous warning from July 17. The Met Office stated that warm thermal regimes combined with intermittent rain will significantly accelerate snow and ice melt in glaciated valleys across GB and KP. Water levels in river streams are expected to remain high, existing glacial lakes may rapidly expand, and new lakes could form due to the high volume of melted water. The PMD warned that vulnerable downstream locations and low-lying areas adjacent to riverbeds face a high risk of sudden high flows, with flash flooding possible in narrow valleys. Read also: Inside Pakistan's Claims of an Indian-Funded Disinformation Network Authorities in GB are installing a temporary iron Bailey bridge along the Baltistan Highway to restore traffic after flash floods and Glofs damaged roads and hampered restoration efforts. Recent floods swept away an important bridge, disconnecting road access to four districts of Baltistan for the past four days. GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain directed the immediate restoration of all affected highways, including the Baltistan Highway, and said the bridge installation would be completed on Sunday to reopen the road. He also instructed the home secretary to ensure orderly traffic flow and the presence of police and other relevant departments. Background Pakistan hosts over 13,032 glaciers, the largest concentration outside the polar regions. However, experts report that about 10,000 glaciers in Chitral and GB are receding due to climate change-induced temperature rises. Over 7.1 million people in GB and KP are vulnerable to Glof events, according to the climate change ministry. A Glof refers to the sudden release of water and debris from a glacial lake, which can cause loss of lives, property, and livelihoods in mountain communities. The PMD noted that rapid expansion of glacial lakes can destabilize their natural ice or moraine damming, potentially triggering such incidents. This monsoon season, GB has recorded 89 events of flash floods, mudflows, river erosion, cloudbursts, and Glofs, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) summary released on Sunday. These incidents destroyed 130 houses, damaged 162 others, 20 bridges, and 18.2 kilometers of roads, left 230 people internally displaced, and resulted in the loss of 73 livestock. Why It Matters The ongoing glacial melt and flooding threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions in northern Pakistan, a region already vulnerable to climate change impacts. The disruption of road links, including the Baltistan Highway, has stranded commuters and hampered relief operations, cutting off entire districts from essential supplies and medical assistance. The PMD warned that thawing permafrost combined with excess surface water could trigger mud and debris flows down mountain slopes, increasing the likelihood of landslides in steep terrains. This poses additional risks to infrastructure and communities already under strain from repeated flood events. The disaster management authorities have been directed to maintain 24/7 alertness and take necessary precautions, while the chief minister ordered the provision of food, medical aid, and other facilities to stranded passengers. The involvement of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Works Organisation, National Highway Authority, and GBDMA highlights the scale of the response needed. What's Next The PMD alert remains in effect through the first week of August, with continued monitoring of water levels and glacial lake expansion. The temporary Bailey bridge installation is expected to be completed on Sunday, allowing the Baltistan Highway to reopen for traffic. Authorities have advised people in snow-bound and glaciated valleys to stay away from riverbanks, stream beds, and local nullahs, and to monitor water bodies for sudden changes. They also recommended avoiding camping, trekking, or staying near glacial lakes and narrow valleys, and to maintain coordination with Community Based Disaster Risk Management Committees for emergency protocols. Restoration work continues round the clock on other blocked roads, including the Haramosh Road, Naltar Road, Hisper Road, Astore Valley Road, and Hushe Valley Road, though no timeline has been given for their reopening. The GBDMA has deployed heavy machinery and is working to clear debris and repair damaged infrastructure.