ISLAMABAD, June 26, (Xinhua): Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday issued a fresh alert for potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the country's northern mountainous regions, citing rapidly rising temperatures and the influence of a western weather system.

The NDMA said that the rapid melting of glaciers in key valleys has heightened the risk of glacial lakes bursting, which could trigger sudden floods and damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges.

It urged residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution, avoid riverbanks and glacial zones, and refrain from crossing floodwaters. Local communities have also been advised to strictly follow evacuation instructions and other guidelines issued by district administrations.

Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with its northern regions home to over 7,000 glaciers -- one of the largest concentrations outside the polar zones. The frequency of GLOF incidents has increased in recent years, prompting efforts to improve early warning systems and community preparedness.