Glacial outburst flood submerges villages in Ghizer, GB

ISLAMABAD: A glacial outburst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district has once again triggered flash floods, inundating several villages and causing widespread disruption.

According to the district administration, landslides have completely blocked the Gilgit–Shandur Road, while Talidas Nallah was hit by slides from both sides, leaving residents of Raushan village stranded.

Gilgit-Baltistan Interior Minister Shams Lone confirmed that while the floods have caused extensive destruction, no loss of life has been reported so far.  He added that reports of people trapped in the affected areas prompted authorities to requisition a helicopter for rescue operations.

Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq stated that the glacial outburst occurred in Talidas, Gupis, in Ghizer district, leading to severe flooding and destruction.

He said multiple villages were submerged and significant financial losses were reported, although no casualties have been confirmed. Faraq warned that with the river flow obstructed, the risk of further damage remains high.

Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district confirmed that all 200 residents trapped in Raushan Nallah following a glacial outburst flood have been successfully rescue

According to the district administration, the villagers were safely evacuated after landslides and flooding cut off access to the area. Among those rescued was a local shepherd who had alerted residents about the approaching flood and urged them to evacuate.

Local sources said the shepherd and his family of six were themselves trapped in the landslide. However, the Pakistan Army launched a successful rescue operation, saving them along with the other stranded villagers.

The administration earlier reported that the outburst had submerged multiple villages and caused significant financial losses, though no casualties have been confirmed. Officials have warned that with the river flow obstructed, the risk of further flooding remains high.