Another lake burst threat feared in Diamer, PM to honour Ghizer heroes

GILGIT: As Gilgit-Baltistan continues to battle the aftermath of a recent glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Ghizer, authorities have now raised alarm over the rapidly rising water level in Muthat Lake, located in Diamer district.

Muthat Lake, also known as Fairy Lake, is a high-altitude body of water in the Raikot Valley, near Muthat village, famous for its stunning views of Nanga Parbat.

“The graph indicates a continuous rise in the lake’s water level since July 24, 2025. This upward trend poses a potential risk of a sudden breach or overflow, which could threaten downstream communities, infrastructure, and agricultural land,” reads an alert issued by Provincial Emergency Operation Center (PEOC) of Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA).

The alert warned that a potential outburst could cause local flooding in low-lying areas, trigger landslides and debris flows along vulnerable slopes, and disrupt road networks.

In response, the GBDMA Diamer assistant director has been directed to maintain close coordination with the district administration and relevant line departments.

GHIZER LAKE SITUATION STABILISES

In a related development, Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said a lake formed by the recent glacial outburst in the Talidas area of Ghizer district has reduced to 40 feet and poses no danger to nearby settlements.

“For now, there is no danger from the lake,” the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that three shepherds, who saved 300 human lives through their prompt alerts, have been invited by the Prime Minister Office in Islamabad.

“It is also necessary to encourage Nasir, who saved about half a dozen human lives in the Daen area of Ghizer, and Ali Ahmed, who saved the lives of about 50 volunteers in Gulmit near Gojal, Hunza,” he added.

Read more: Gilgit-Baltistan govt to relocate Ghizer flood victims

Separately, in a statement, GBDMA Director General Zakir Hussain said comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had been prepared for a controlled release of water from the artificial lake in Ghizer.

The statement said a technical team visited the site on August 23 in view of the potential hazards posed by the lake for the purpose.

It said work on an alternative route for the temporary restoration of the Gilgit-Shandur Road in the area was underway, with traffic expected to resume in the next 48 hours.

MORE RAINS

On the other hand, the PEOC, in the wake of the persisting rains in the region, has issued an alert for the region about possible threats.

“As per the Met Department, the Gilgit region is expected to experience periods of rainfall, with the heaviest expected on 25 August and additional showers likely on 26–27 August and again around the start of September,” reads the alert.

It said that these wet spells, combined with intermittent warm temperatures, high humidity, and a warming trend following the rain, would keep soils saturated and increase glacial melt.

“There is a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and mudflows, along with a moderate to high risk of glacial lake flooding in areas with upstream lakes,” it added.