Key Takeaways
- Flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan damage homes, infrastructure.
- Ghizer district reports severe flooding, artificial lake formation.
- Authorities direct rescue and relief operations amid rising river levels.
Flash floods triggered by cloudbursts and rapid glacial melting have caused significant damage across Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) was closed near Altashi Nullah in the Gini area of Chilas due to rising water levels.
Ghizer district has been identified as one of the worst-hit areas, with an artificial lake forming when flash floods blocked the Ishkoman River in Mayon village. This floodwater inundated Hasis village, submerging dozens of houses and agricultural land.
Local authorities have reported that at least 15 houses were damaged, while a school, mosque, and critical infrastructure remained under water. The Ghizer-Ishkoman Road was completely blocked by the artificial lake, severing road access to the Ishkoman Valley.
In Sherqila, homes and agricultural land were also damaged, with flooding reported in Salpi, Aishi, Damas, Haim, and Dilnati. Floodwaters disrupted power supply at several locations, bringing down electricity poles.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain directed the GB Disaster Management Authority and district administrations to expedite rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations. He emphasized the need for swift action in affected areas.
In Gilgit district, cloudburst-induced floods caused widespread damage in the upper reaches of Naltar Valley. Rescue 1122 officials reported that 12 houses were damaged, agricultural land destroyed, and several families displaced.
The Naltar Highway was blocked at multiple points, leaving tourists stranded. In Upper Hunza, rapid glacial melting temporarily blocked sections of the Karakoram Highway near Gulmit before it was reopened.
In Punjab, heavy monsoon rains caused urban flooding in several cities. Provincial Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique visited flood-prone areas and protective embankments in Jalalpur Pirwala to review flood preparedness.
The minister inspected flood embankments, rescue arrangements, evacuation plans, and relief preparedness. He highlighted the construction of two protective embankments at a cost of Rs2 billion and ensured adequate resources for flood protection.
