Climate Chaos: Unprecedented Floods Devastate Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan
In Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, a catastrophic glacial flood from the Shishper Glacier devastated infrastructure, agriculture, and homes. The community faces severe impacts from this disaster, exacerbated by accelerated glacier melt and high temperatures. Restoration efforts remain stalled amid acute water shortages.
- Country:
- Pakistan
In an alarming display of nature's fury, the Shishper Glacier's outburst flood wreaked havoc in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). The calamitous flood, described as the most severe since 2018, tore through Hassanabad Nullah, eradicating sections of the Karakoram Highway. The deluge destroyed public and private property, thrusting the area into turmoil.
Traffic in Hunza was severely disrupted, with the main road compromised, rerouting drivers through Sas Valley Road following the devastation. The flood, driven by a rapid glacier melt, obliterated agricultural land, uprooted trees, and left residents surveying the significant losses, particularly in Hassanabad, where dozens of homes were jeopardized.
The flood stemmed from a blocked water discharge at the Shishper Glacier, which unleashed with devastating consequences after an hour. Protective walls fell, and vital irrigation and drinking systems were obliterated, crippling communities like Aliabad. Elsewhere, glacier-driven flash floods battered regions like Supultar Nullah, cutting off roads and threatening popular tourist areas.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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