A glacial lake outburst in the Tali Das area of Ghizer district, Gilgit-Baltistan, has unleashed destructive flooding, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and submerging several villages. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday, noting that while the event resulted in severe financial losses, timely early warnings and evacuations ensured that no human lives were lost in the initial aftermath.
The flooding triggered significant landslides from two directions, which have completely severed vital transportation links. The Gilgit-Shandur Road has been blocked, and the Raushan village has been cut off from access. Most critically, a massive landslide has fully dammed the Ghizer River since the early hours of the morning, causing water to back up and form a large, unstable artificial lake that now threatens to submerge nearby communities.
Emergency response efforts are in full swing. The government has requested helicopters to rescue stranded individuals, and a helicopter from Force Command Northern Areas has already been dispatched on an emergency basis. So far, rescue teams have successfully evacuated over 50 people. Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation as authorities work to manage the immediate crisis and the looming threat posed by the newly formed lake.
The region braces for further challenges as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a new spell of rain, wind, and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan from August 23 to 27. The Met Office has issued a warning that this weather could trigger more landslides and mudslides, potentially disrupting roads in hilly areas like Ghizer, Diamer, and Hunza. Authorities have advised residents and local administrations to remain on high alert.
