NDMA warns of GLOF risk after deadly storms hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Severe storms and heavy rain killed 4 people and injured 16 others across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan, on May 10–11, 2026, after walls and roofs collapsed in several districts. The affected districts include Mardan, Swabi, Malakand, and Shangla, while Pakistan’s NDMA warned of continued rain, flash flooding, debris flows, and elevated GLOF (glacial lake outburst flood) risk in northern mountain catchments.
Satellite image centered over Pakistan acquired at 08:30 UTC on May 12, 2026. Credit: EUMESTAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disaster authorities reported that the fatalities included 2 men, 1 woman, and 1 child. 16 others were injured — 1 woman, 8 men, and 7 children. The casualties followed strong winds, dust storms, and rain that caused walls and roofs of houses to collapse across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan’s NDMA issued a GLOF Alert on May 11, warning that a moderate westerly wave was expected to affect the upper regions of the country. According to the agency, the system would first affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before extending into Gilgit-Baltistan, producing widespread rain and wind-thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall in mountainous catchments.
The agency said the weather pattern increased the risk of GLOFs, debris flows, and flash flooding in vulnerable mountain areas, including Swat, lower Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara, Kohistan, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Shigar, Ghanche, and Astore districts.
NDMA advised residents in vulnerable mountain communities to remain alert for sudden rises in water levels, unusual sounds near streams and nullahs, and changing water color that could indicate upstream flooding or debris movement.
Avoid all unnecessary travel near rivers, drainage channels, and unstable slopes during periods of heavy rainfall.
Provincial and district authorities were advised to monitor vulnerable sites, maintain early warning readiness, prepare evacuation measures where necessary, and keep emergency response services alert.
References:
1 Four killed, 16 injured as storms, heavy rain batter northwest Pakistan – Arab News – May 11, 2026
2 GLOF Alert – NDMA – May 11, 2026
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