Glacier Burst in Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan: Floods Create Crisis in Villages, Rescue Underway

A severe natural disaster struck Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan when a glacier burst in Gopis Tehsil at Tili Das. The sudden incident has triggered powerful flash floods, submerging multiple villages, damaging property, and blocking the river’s natural flow. Officials confirmed that while the floods caused significant financial losses, there have been no reported loss of lives so far.

 

The glacier outburst has created a massive water blockage, forming a lake and raising fears of further devastation if the pressure builds and releases downstream.

 

Government Confirms the Incident

According to Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, floodwaters have already submerged several villages. He stated:

“People have faced severe financial losses due to the glacier burst, but fortunately, no lives have been lost so far.”

The government confirmed that over 50 people trapped in the affected area have been rescued successfully, while rescue operations are ongoing.

 

Glacier Outburst at Tili Das: Details of the Event

The glacier burst occurred in Tili Das, Gopis (Ghizer district), blocking the natural river channel. As a result:

• The river’s flow stopped.
• A large temporary lake has formed.
• Adjacent villages are under threat of submersion.

Local residents report that within hours of the glacier breaking, water levels rose dramatically, forcing families to evacuate their homes.

Current Situation on the Ground

1. Villages Affected: Several villages are submerged or partially underwater.
2. Property Damage: Houses, farmland, and local infrastructure have suffered heavy damage.
3. Rescues: More than 50 stranded people were rescued in emergency operations.
4. Relief Operations: Emergency relief including tents, food, and medical aid is being dispatched.

Officials fear further flooding if the newly formed lake bursts its banks, potentially sending destructive water waves downstream.

Provincial Government’s Response

A government spokesperson confirmed that the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan is personally monitoring the situation to ensure minimal loss of life and property.

“The Chief Minister himself is supervising rescue and relief operations to prevent further damage,” the spokesperson added.

Teams from the district administration, Rescue 1122, and Disaster Management Authority are present at the site, working around the clock.

 

Community & Eyewitness Accounts

Residents of the affected areas describe the event as sudden and devastating. One local elder explained:

“The glacier broke with a roar, and within hours our fields and homes were under water. We barely managed to escape.”

Many families are now displaced, taking shelter in safer areas, while fearing for their crops and livestock.

 

Historical Context: Glacier Bursts in Gilgit-Baltistan

Glacier bursts and floods are not new in Gilgit-Baltistan. The region has over 7,000 glaciers, many of which are vulnerable due to:

• Rising global temperatures
• Glacial melting from climate change
• Unstable terrain in mountainous valleys

Incidents like this are examples of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which Pakistan has experienced multiple times in recent years.

In 2022, Gilgit-Baltistan witnessed several glacier-related floods that displaced hundreds of families. Climate experts continue to warn that such disasters will increase in frequency and intensity.

 

Climate Change Connection

Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, yet faces some of the worst impacts of climate change. Gilgit-Baltistan is especially vulnerable due to:

• Melting glaciers at an accelerated pace
• Erratic weather patterns and heavy rainfall
• Weak infrastructure in remote valleys

This latest glacier burst in Ghizer once again highlights Pakistan’s climate vulnerability.

Rescue & Relief Efforts

Rescue teams on the ground report that:

1. Over 50 stranded individuals have been rescued so far.
2. Emergency relief supplies have been dispatched.
3. Medical units are treating minor injuries and providing aid.
4. Disaster Management Authority is assessing the water pressure in the newly formed lake.

Despite these efforts, residents remain concerned about further flooding if the natural dam collapses.

Risks Ahead

If the temporary lake created by the glacier burst gives way, it could cause:

• Massive downstream flooding
• Destruction of homes, roads, and bridges
• Further displacement of communities
• Threat to low-lying settlements along the Gilgit and Indus rivers

Experts stress the urgent need to channel the lake water in a controlled manner to reduce pressure and prevent a catastrophic burst.

 

Conclusion

 

The glacier burst in Ghizer’s Gopis Tehsil (Tili Das) is yet another reminder of the growing climate challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan. While the government’s swift rescue operations saved lives, the material damage is extensive, and the threat of further flooding remains high.

As rescue operations continue and the Chief Minister personally monitors the situation, authorities must also focus on long-term climate resilience strategies to protect vulnerable mountain communities from future disasters.

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