GILGIT: Amid landslides, torrential rains, Gilgit Baltistan’s (GB) hit with a glacial lake outburst in the Ghizer district forming an artificial lake in the valley.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the incident stating that heavy financial losses occurred and warned that nearby villages remain at risk, as the glacier burst had blocked the river’s flow, forming a lake. He noted that timely alerts from police and local volunteers prevented casualties.
Chief Minister GB Haji Gulbar Khan took notice of the situation and ordered immediate relief measures, directing officials to seek Pak Army’s assistance if required.
Rescue 1122 and GBDMA teams remain on site, continuing relief operations. Police officials said the blocked water has begun to gradually pass through the natural barrier but warned that a sudden breach could inundate downstream settlements.
Immediately after the glacier lake burst in the village of Roshan, Tali Das in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pakistan Army has started a rescue operation in Gopis tehsil.
The Pakistan Army has also launched a relief mission in Tero, a remote village in Phander tehsil of Gilgit-Baltistan, at the directions of Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
According to details shared on Sunday, a field hospital has been set up in the area where a specialist medical team has arrived.
The team includes a paediatrician, gynaecologist, medical specialist and a general duty officer, who are providing much-needed healthcare to the residents.
READ MORE: Army launches rescue operation after glacier burst in Gilgit