GILGIT; A glacial outburst flood struck Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district on Friday, inundating several villages, cutting off key roads, and blocking the Ghizer River, which led to the formation of a large artificial lake, officials said.
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq confirmed that the glacier burst in the Tali Das area of Gupis triggered flooding and extensive damage. He said multiple villages were submerged, causing major financial losses, though no casualties had been reported so far.
According to the district administration, landslides blocked the Gilgit–Shandur Road from multiple points in the Tali Das stream, isolating Raushan village. Ghizer’s additional deputy commissioner said the river had been completely blocked since 3am, threatening more communities downstream.
Rescue incharge Raja Ajmal said timely warnings allowed residents to evacuate safely, with around 200 people shifted to safer areas in Sumal and Yangal. Six others stranded in the Rawshan drain were being rescued, while water had begun flowing again after a six-hour blockage, easing the flood risk for low-lying settlements.
GB Home Minister Shams Lone acknowledged the devastation but confirmed that no lives had been lost. He said reports of stranded residents had prompted requests for helicopter support. The Force Command Northern Areas has since dispatched a helicopter for emergency rescue efforts.
Officials said more than 50 people have been rescued so far, but the outburst continues to threaten nearby communities as rising waters form a lake. The GB chief minister is personally monitoring the situation.
The disaster comes amid ongoing recovery efforts from earlier flash floods since July, which have killed at least 39 people — including tourists — and caused an estimated Rs30 billion in losses by destroying homes, farmland, roads, and utilities. Thousands remain without clean water and electricity.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of rain from August 23 to 27 in Gilgit-Baltistan, with heavy showers expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar. Authorities have warned of further landslides and mudslides, urging residents and local administrations to remain on high alert.
