Record Heat Accelerates Glacier Melt in Gilgit-Baltistan, Triggers Severe Flooding Across Region
thegreencall 
Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan
Unprecedented heat in Gilgit-Baltistan has dramatically accelerated glacial melting, resulting in widespread flooding across several districts of the region.
According to a report by Pakistan s English Newspaper namely Dawn, the rapid melting of glaciers has led to the bursting of glacial lakes—known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)—which have blocked roads, damaged homes, and stranded residents in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported record-breaking temperatures across the region last week. GBDMA Director General Zakir Hussain told Dawn that this year’s conditions are highly unusual. Rising temperatures have increased the risk of floods in rivers and streams, especially in the Diamer and Gilgit districts.
Last week, Chilas recorded a maximum temperature of 48.5°C—the highest since July 17, 1997, when it was 47.7°C. In Bunji, the temperature reached 46.1°C, the highest since July 1971.
Currently, water levels in rivers and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan are alarmingly high due to rapidly melting glaciers.
Infrastructure Disrupted, Roads and Bridges Damaged
According to GBDMA, sudden floods near Gindlo-Maladad Pari in Chilas have closed the Karakoram Highway (KKH). In Nagar district, the Hamari River’s flooding has damaged the Valley Road, while increased flow in the Supltar stream has blocked the Hopper Valley Road.
Rising river levels have also cut off the Chipurson Valley Road in Upper Hunza, and the Siachen Road in Ghanche has been severely affected by riverbank erosion near Thugs and Bangilongba.
Floods in the Botogah stream near Chilas damaged temporary bridges, leaving local communities without access across the water.
Floodwaters in the Hamari and Supltar rivers have also destroyed agricultural land, irrigation and drinking water systems, connecting roads, and both public and private infrastructure.
Water and electricity supply have been disrupted in several areas.
Soil Erosion and Glacial Hazards Threaten Homes
Local authorities reported that persistent land erosion in the Hamurkhay area of Nagar Khas has submerged farmlands, trees, and infrastructure, posing a serious threat to dozens of homes.
Floods have also damaged public and private property in areas such as Chilas in Diamer and Chipurson in Hunza.
In Hasanabad, a GLOF triggered by the Shisper Glacier has once again threatened the Karakoram Highway and surrounding communities.
GBDMA stated that, as a precaution, four homes were evacuated following the glacial lake outburst. Local authorities have advised the public not to travel to affected areas, citing increased risk of floods and land erosion.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
GBDMA chief Zakir Hussain confirmed that the authority has deployed machinery to reopen blocked roads, prioritizing the evacuation and safety of residents in vulnerable areas.
The authority is also working to restore damaged irrigation systems, as agriculture is the primary livelihood for much of the local population.
Zakir Hussain added that GBDMA is now monitoring glacial behavior to understand the scientific causes of rapid melting better better. The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has been asked to provide equipment for glacier monitoring.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has directed GBDMA, local administrations, and all relevant departments to remain on high alert in view of the ongoing flood risk. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to take prompt measures to protect lives and property.
About The Author
