Mon Oct 13 05:27:09 UTC 2025: **News Article: Millions Spent on Early Warning Systems, But Do Pakistan’s Communities Trust Them?**
Skardu, Pakistan – Despite significant investment in early warning systems (EWS) to mitigate the increasing threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), many residents in Pakistan’s vulnerable northern regions are relying more on traditional knowledge and individual heroism, raising questions about the effectiveness and trust in the government’s technological approach.
The mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region, home to an estimated 13,000 glaciers, is facing heightened risk as global warming accelerates glacial melt. The Pakistani government has invested millions in EWS infrastructure, hoping to reduce the loss of life and economic damage. However, recent events suggest the system is falling short.
Shepherd Wasiyat Khan, from the Roshan Valley of Ghizer, demonstrated the limitations of the EWS when he was awaken by the sound of a glacier bursting. Using his knowledge of the local area he jumped across boulders to find phone signal and warn the village who evacuated safely, however he was left with nothing but the clothes on his back. The lack of trust in the equipment and the false credit officials are claiming is leaving residents worried about their future.
Other residents are also highlighting their preference for the pre-existing Indigenous warning systems, relying on natural signs like unusual rainfall, cloud formations, animal behavior, and distinct roaring sounds. In the Skardu Valley, shepherd Mohammad Hussain averted disaster by recognizing the signs of an impending flash flood and alerting his village. The traditional methods have proven effective but the modern technology is failing, sparking a debate over the government’s strategy.
Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations. The government acknowledges the severity of the threat, with Climate Change Minister Musadiq Malik pointing out the immense mortality and displacement caused by GLOFs. However, reports of malfunctioning equipment and a lack of real-time connection between village-level sensors and official rescue teams are undermining the EWS’s credibility.
A recent report by the Friday Times highlighted that despite a $37 million GLOF-II project, no real-time link connects human sensors in villages to official rescue teams. Islamabad-based journalist Zaki Abbas says the lack of trust in the equipment has made it ineffective, raising the question as to whether technology alone is enough to save lives, or if standard operating procedures should be followed, and whether trust is gained on the ground.
While the UNDP acknowledges challenges like limited financial resources, technical capacity, and communication barriers, some believe that it will take more than simply money to ensure the EWS works. As unpredictable weather patterns continue to plague Pakistan, communities are increasingly reliant on the actions of individual “heroes” like Wasiyat Khan, whose bravery have saved hundreds of lives.
First Piper 