Gilgit-Baltistan govt to relocate Ghizer flood victims

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government has announced plans to relocate families affected by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that struck the Saro Gah Nullah in Tali Das village, Ghizer district, late on Thursday night.

“The victims of Ghazar Tali Das will be provided with a permanent alternative village. The chief minister will discuss with the prime minister the establishment of an alternative village for the victims,” G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said in a statement.

Faraq said that Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan visited the affected area to meet with the victims and assess the damage. He said the CM reviewed the ongoing rescue operations, ensuring that necessary measures are being taken to support the affected families.

The spokesperson said the CM directed the authorities to expedite the restoration of essential services, including water, electricity, and communication infrastructure, on an emergency basis. He said Gulbar Khan emphasised the urgency of these efforts to ensure the well-being of the affected residents.

Faraq said the government would reward the local shepherd who played a key role in saving human lives during the flood. A special ceremony will be held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to honour the shepherd, where he will receive a cash prize and a certificate of appreciation.

Faraq said a young man from the Dain area, who performed exemplary rescue work, will also be recognized at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat with a reward for his heroic efforts in the aftermath of the disaster.

“We are hopeful that the federal government will extend its support to help establish the alternative village and assist in the construction of the RCC bridge in Dain,” the spokesperson added.

Faraq acknowledged that the Early Warning System in Ghizer district is not currently active, adding that the heroic efforts of the shepherd, who alerted authorities, led to the saving of hundreds of lives.

Destruction and Response

The flood debris blocked the Ghizer River for several hours, submerging an area of around 7 km and forming a lake. Following the lake’s formation, downstream areas in Ghizer, Gilgit, and Diamer were alerted to the risk of an outburst.

Ghizer Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rehman told HUM News English that water is currently flowing out of the artificial lake formed after the GLOF event.

“The outflow of water from the blockage is higher than the intake but not dangerously high. We are monitoring the situation, which is currently under control,” the DC said.

He said the affected families rejected the option of a tent village due to privacy concerns and are voluntarily living with their relatives. “However, we have provided them with 150 tents, food packs, and other items. Currently, we have over 300 tents and will give them out as needed,” he added.

According to an initial damage report shared by the additional district administration of Gupis-Yasin, a total of 330 houses in six villages — Tali Das, Maula Abad, Maduri, Hakis/Thaingli, Gawot, and Roashan — have been affected.

The report said that in Tali Das, 50 houses were damaged; in Madori, 40 houses were affected; in Molaabad, all 60 houses were damaged; in Hakis/Thaingli, 100 houses were affected; in Roashan, 50 houses were impacted; and in Gawot, 30 houses were damaged.

The administration has provided for the immediate needs of the affected people. The emergency aid includes tents, food packs, blankets, quilts, mattresses, plastic sheets, water cans, kitchen sets, and emergency kits.

GLOF alert for G-B and K-P

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a GLOF alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“In continuation of the GLOF alert issued on 18th August 2025, a wet spell is likely to prevail from 23rd August 2025 and can affect Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During this period, scattered rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in these regions,” read the alert issued by the PMD on Friday.

The PMD said that the prevailing weather conditions increase the risk of GLOFs, flash floods, and landslide events in the vulnerable glaciated regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It advised all concerned authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.