ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of imminent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the high mountains of the north, as floods continue to wreak havoc in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
GLOF occurrs when a sudden surges of water is released after glacial lake barriers collapse, and unleash torrents through downstream valleys. This monsoon, GLOFs have already destroyed infrastructure and stranded tourists across Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid relentless rains and flash flooding.
Earlier, Gilgit-Baltistan floods hit Astore district near Allah Wali Lake, where a powerful torrent carried huge rocks down the mountains and into residential areas.
One riverside house was swept away. Farmland, standing crops, and homes have suffered heavy damage, officials said.
Gilgit-Baltistan floods: casualties, blocked highways, and stranded tourists
The GB interior minister reported seven deaths, 11 injuries, and four people missing.
A large section of the Naltar Expressway has washed out, leaving tourists stranded in Naltar Valley.
Furthermore, three local power stations have been shut down as a precaution.
In Skardu, the Baghecha RCC bridge on the Baltistan Highway has been swept away.
While landslides have blocked the road at multiple points.
In Ghanche, the Sarmo bridge is gone; in Shigar, three link bridges have also been lost.
Moreover, authorities estimate 320 houses destroyed and nearly 700 partially damaged.
Rescue and repair teams are working to reopen critical routes and move people to safe areas.
Similarly, local administrations are prioritising medical evacuations, temporary shelter, and delivery of clean water and food.
Heavy machinery is being positioned where slopes remain unstable.
The focus now is on restoring connectivity to cut-off valleys and getting accurate damage assessments to guide relief.
Residents near riverbanks and nullahs are urged to relocate to higher ground and follow local advisories.
Engineers will survey weakened embankments and bridge foundations before traffic is allowed to resume.
