Gilgit-Baltistan Glacier Melting Raises Flood Risk

Gilgit: The ongoing heat wave in Gilgit-Baltistan has further accelerated the rapid melting of glaciers, due to which the water level in rivers and streams is continuously rising. Floods and mudslides in various districts have damaged communication roads, bridges, agricultural land, power systems and other infrastructure, while the Karakoram Highway was also closed for some time. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOV) alert for the Hopar and Hispar valleys of Nagar and directed the local population and relevant institutions to take immediate precautionary measures.

According to the NDMA, the continuous increase in temperature in the region and recent rains have increased the speed of melting of glaciers, due to which the flow of water in the rivers has become much higher than usual. The agency has warned that if the current weather conditions persist, the risks of flash floods, landslides, riverbank erosion and glacial lake outburst floods may increase, which is likely to directly affect the populations of low-lying areas.

Floodwaters in Ghanche district damaged several communication roads and bridges. The suspension bridge over the Hoshe Nala was submerged, cutting off land connectivity to several villages, while roads leading to Siachen, Chorbat and Ghori were also affected. According to the district administration, heavy machinery has been rushed to the affected areas and restoration work is underway at a rapid pace so that traffic can be restored as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, a flash flood at Ghor Hill near Khunjerab also affected the Karakoram Highway, due to which trade and travel activities between Pakistan and China were suspended for several hours. Several freight vehicles, local passengers and foreign tourists were stranded due to the road closure. The relevant agencies took immediate action to remove the debris from the highway and later restored traffic, however, authorities have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary travel.

Floodwaters also damaged homes, crops, power installations and communication roads in Ishkoman and adjoining areas of Ghizer district. The local administration has expressed concern over the rising water level in the artificial lake built last year, as it could pose a threat to nearby communities if the water level rises further. Several houses were affected by the change in the river’s course in Maulaabad, while a newly constructed bridge has also been put at risk.

Rescue 1122 Gilgit-Baltistan has issued special safety instructions for citizens and tourists, asking them to stay away from rivers, streams, glaciers and fast-flowing places. The agency warned that bathing in floodwater, taking pictures, collecting firewood or attempting to cross floodwaters can be fatal. Parents have also been instructed not to let children near dangerous places.

Experts say the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible in the northern regions of Pakistan. Rising temperatures have affected the natural balance of glaciers, resulting in an increase in the number of glacial lake outburst floods and flash floods every year. They stressed that emergency relief operations alone are not enough, but glacier monitoring, modern warning systems, strong infrastructure and awareness of the local population must also be focused on to reduce future loss of life and property.

Local residents have demanded that the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments build protective embankments in sensitive areas, strengthen river banks, provide immediate financial assistance to affected families and launch permanent projects that will help deal with the growing risks of climate change.