Melting Glaciers Cause Floods Across Gilgit Baltistan

Rapid glacier melting has intensified the flood crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan, prompting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for the Hoper and Hisper valleys in Nagar district.

According to the NDMA, the ongoing heatwave has accelerated glacier and snowmelt, sharply increasing river flows and mudslides across the region.

The authority warned that flash floods, debris flows, riverbank erosion and damage to roads, bridges and irrigation infrastructure remain major threats, particularly for downstream communities.

Floods and mudslides have already damaged link roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, agricultural land and homes in several districts. In Ghanche, rising water levels submerged a suspension bridge over the Hushe Nallah and disrupted access to remote communities.

Flash flooding also temporarily blocked the Karakoram Highway near the Khunjerab Pass, leaving tourists and cargo vehicles stranded before traffic was restored.

In Ghizer district, floodwaters damaged houses, crops and roads, while authorities expressed concern over rising water levels in an artificial lake that could threaten nearby settlements.

Rescue 1122 has advised residents and tourists to avoid rivers, streams and glacier areas and to refrain from unnecessary travel during adverse weather.

The NDMA has urged local authorities to remain on high alert and called on residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures as rising temperatures continue to increase the risk of GLOF events across Gilgit-Baltistan.