GILGIT: A glacier burst followed by a landslide caused widespread destruction in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district on Friday, damaging over 300 houses, washing away shops, and displacing hundreds of families.
According to the district administration, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) triggered heavy flooding in several villages, creating a large artificial lake. The water level has started to recede after a natural spillway opened, which reduced the immediate threat to nearby low-lying areas.
The report stated that a total of 330 houses were affected in Tildas, Miduri, Mulaabad, Hawks Thangi, Rawshan, and Goth villages, while several shops also suffered heavy losses. Farmland and road links were damaged, and according to local residents, nearly 80% of Rawshan village has been destroyed.
Relief Efforts and Evacuations
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Gupis Yasin said that displaced families are in urgent need of tents, rations, and other essential relief items. Rescue 1122 teams with the help of Pakistan Army helicopters, more than 200 people evacuted from affected areas, they have provided necessary medical assistance and provided temporary shelters.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan visited the disaster-hit region along with provincial ministers and directed authorities to mobilize all available resources for rescue and relief operations.
Senior Ghizer official Sher Afzal said that although the water level is decreasing, some upstream houses remain submerged. He warned that the natural dam at Raushan remains unstable and could breach under pressure, posing further risks.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high alert for glaciated regions, forecasting fresh rains from August 23.
