3 Tourists Lose Lives as Glacier Melts Trigger Flash Flood in Naran

A tragic natural disaster has struck the scenic valley of Naran in northern Pakistan, where three tourists lost their lives due to sudden flooding caused by glacial melt. The incident occurred near Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, a popular destination known for its stunning views — but also located dangerously close to vulnerable glaciers.

Local authorities believe the flash flood was the result of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) — a growing threat in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan regions. Pakistan is home to over 7,000 glaciers, and with rising temperatures, these natural ice reserves are melting at unprecedented rates.

Rescue operations led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) recovered the bodies after an hours-long search. Locals also participated in the rescue effort, highlighting the urgent need for climate-adaptive training in remote tourist areas.

The incident has reignited debates about climate resilience in Pakistan’s northern tourism corridors. Experts from the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) warn that such events will only increase in frequency and severity unless immediate climate adaptation measures are enforced.

The tourists — reportedly visiting from Lahore and Karachi — had little warning before the sudden flood overwhelmed them. Locals say the water level rose “within minutes,” giving barely any time for evacuation.

In 2022, the Government of Pakistan, with support from Green Climate Fund, launched the GLOF-II project to strengthen early warning systems. But incidents like this show that more urgent action is needed on the ground — including better signage, controlled access to high-risk areas, and emergency response protocols.