A lake was formed in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district due to a recent glacial outburst flood (GLOF), but the government has stated that the lake now has reduced to 40 feet and poses no danger to nearby populations.
“For now, there is no danger from the lake,” said a statement by GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq on Sunday.
A Glof occurred on early Friday morning in the Talidas village of Gupis Valley.
The lake had earlier threatened the downstream areas of Ghizer, Gilgit and Diamer. The lake was initially formed when accelerated glacier melting caused a sudden flood, damaging over 100 houses and creating an artificial lake spanning around 8 kilometers.
According to Israruddin Israr, the GB coordinator for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the glacial outburst flood (GLOF) has resulted in the displacement of 330 households, affecting more than 3,000 individuals who have become internally displaced persons (IDPs).
According to him, the number of IDPs in this incident is the second-largest since the 2010 Attabad disaster.
The flood damaged villages, a road stretch, and disrupted normal life, but local populations were evacuated safely with the help of volunteers, the GB government, and the Pakistan Army.
Relief efforts are underway for over 3,000 displaced people in the affected area. Helicopters were used to rescue stranded residents, and downstream populations were alerted and evacuated. Schools downstream from the lake site have been safely evacuated, and drinking water supplies and tents are being secured for affected communities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed intensified flood relief and rescue efforts, appreciating the prompt actions of rescue teams and local volunteers.
With fresh rains and monsoon spells predicted, authorities remain vigilant and have been conducting proactive monitoring and evacuation drills in at-risk communities to guard against further GLOF events, flash floods, and landslides.