Floods cause widespread destruction in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: In the wake of relentless rains and rapid glacier melting, flash floods have devastated various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, sweeping away roads, homes, and other vital infrastructure.

The flooding, which began late Friday night, has affected multiple villages, causing widespread destruction but, fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

Several localities downstream of the rivulets remain in a state of high alert due to rising water levels, attributed by officials to persistent heatwaves accelerating glacier melt. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the Ramkha and Muskay areas of Parishing, Astore experienced significant damage, with floodwaters destroying over 50 homes, more than 50 cattle sheds, footbridges, and many water tanks. The GBDMA has established two IDP camps; however, the displaced population is living with host families.

In the Danyore subdivision of Gilgit, the Danyore nullah also faced damages, with floodwaters destroying Manuga Road, a crucial water channel, and a waterline, leaving thousands of residents without access to drinking and agricultural water for four days.

In Rahimabad, Gilgit, the Hunza River was blocked by debris from floods, submerging low-lying areas of the village. Once the floodwaters receded, the temporarily blocked river surged again, inundating low-lying areas in Jutal, Faizabad, and KIU Khari.

Similarly, in the Guro area, a channel supplying water to a powerhouse was swept away, plunging hundreds into darkness as they were left without electricity.

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Thagas Valley, Mashabrum’s headquarters, witnessed severe flash floods on August 3, redirecting water into neighboring villages. The floods forced the emergency evacuation of three villages and caused extensive damage to private property. Passu village, already struggling with the impacts of climate change, now faces an unprecedented threat as the Hunza River, swollen from glacier melt induced by a heatwave, has risen to dangerous levels. Over the past week, riverine erosion has intensified, threatening the village and its residents.

A bridge near the Dhee area of Khunjerab National Park is on the brink of collapse due to the increasing water flow in the Khunjerab River. This bridge is a vital link in the trade route between Pakistan and China, and its precarious state poses a significant risk to this crucial economic connection.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert and prepare for possible evacuations. Officials expressed regret over the construction of homes and structures in nullahs and ravines, which have obstructed natural water flow, exacerbating the flooding impact.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmad Mirza has directed authorities to provide immediate relief to areas affected by heavy rains and flash flooding in various districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Chief Secretary has invoked emergency powers to restore essential services, ensuring that critical infrastructure and basic necessities are made available to the affected population as soon as possible. Additionally, the Chief Secretary has directed a scrutiny committee to hold daily meetings to expedite the process of damage assessment and relief distribution.

Mirza has also ordered a thorough damage assessment to be conducted, with updates to be shared regularly with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Furthermore, all government resources are to be mobilized, and private sector expertise engaged if necessary, to minimize damage and restore services in the affected areas. The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for swift action and effective relief.