GILGIT: Rapid glacier melting has intensified the crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan, as soaring temperatures have significantly increased water discharge and mudflow in rivers and streams, causing widespread destruction in downstream areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) alert for the Hoper and Hisper valleys in Nagar district, warning of heightened flood risks due to accelerated glacier melt.
Authorities said the ongoing heatwave across Gilgit-Baltistan has caused glaciers to melt at a faster pace, resulting in swollen rivers and streams. The rising water levels have triggered floods and mudslides, damaging link roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, agricultural land, and public and private property in several remote areas.
According to the district administration, rising water levels in rivers and streams in Ghanche district damaged multiple link roads and bridges. A suspension bridge over the Hushe Nallah was submerged, cutting off access for local communities. Floodwaters also blocked the Siachen, Chorbat and Ghowari roads, although the Siachen and Chorbat routes were later reopened temporarily.
Deputy Commissioner Ghanche Waliullah Fallahi said the situation remained under control, adding that heavy machinery had been deployed to restore damaged roads and bridges.
A flash flood also blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH) at the Ghoor Hill section near the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border, disrupting cross-border traffic. Police said numerous passengers, including domestic and foreign tourists, along with cargo vehicles, remained stranded for several hours before the highway was reopened.
In Ghizer district, flooding damaged houses, crops and link roads in Matramdan village of Ishkoman valley while also disrupting electricity supply. Authorities expressed concern over the rising water level in an artificial lake formed during last year’s floods, warning that it could inundate nearby homes.
River erosion continued in Maulaabad village after the river changed its course and entered several houses. Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Ishkoman River threatened a newly constructed bridge connecting Chatorkhand and Dain villages, prompting residents to demand immediate protective measures.
Residents living in downstream areas voiced fears of further Glof events and flash floods as rising water levels and heavy mudflow continue to pose serious threats to lives and property.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 Gilgit-Baltistan issued a public advisory warning that intense heat combined with a westerly weather system had accelerated glacier melting, significantly increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (Glofs), flash floods, landslides and damage to roads and bridges.
The advisory urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and to stay away from rivers, streams, glaciers and fast-flowing water. It also advised people not to bathe, fish, take selfies or collect wood near riverbanks and warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, drains or streams. Parents were urged to keep children away from rivers and other hazardous areas.
Rescue 1122 further cautioned that floods and glacial lake outburst floods could occur without warning, stressing that taking precautionary measures remained the best form of protection.
In its alert, the NDMA said hydrometeorological conditions indicated a significant increase in river discharge in the Hisper-Hoper Nallah catchment due to rising temperatures and ongoing precipitation.
The authority warned that the region faced an elevated risk of rapid glacier and snowmelt, flash floods, debris flows, severe riverbank erosion and damage to roads, bridges, irrigation channels and other infrastructure. It also cautioned that downstream communities could face increased danger while transport links may be disrupted.
Local residents urged the government to take immediate steps to protect vulnerable communities living downstream from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and flooding as the threat continues to grow.