Flash Floods Cut Off Roads in Gilgit-Baltistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a glacial lake outburst flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the first week of August.

The Met Office said warm weather and intermittent rain are likely to speed up snow and ice melt in glaciated valleys, raising water levels in streams and increasing the risk of new and expanding glacial lakes.

It warned that vulnerable downstream areas, narrow valleys and low-lying settlements face a high risk of sudden flood flows. The department also said the melting may trigger landslides and debris flows on steep terrain.

The PMD advised people to stay away from riverbanks, stream beds and glacial lakes, avoid camping or trekking near unsafe areas and follow guidance from local disaster management committees.

Meanwhile, road links in several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan remained blocked for the fifth straight day after flash floods and Glofs damaged highways and bridges. Authorities are installing a temporary Bailey bridge on the Baltistan Highway to restore traffic.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain ordered the immediate restoration of highways and communication links across the region and directed officials to ensure food, medical aid and traffic management for stranded passengers.

According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, the region has recorded 89 flood-related incidents this monsoon season, which destroyed and damaged houses, bridges and roads and displaced several people.