Islamabad, July 26: The flood situation in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan has deteriorated, with many areas remaining cut off from road access for the fourth consecutive day due to sudden flooding and glacial lake outburst floods. The floods have caused significant damage to national highways, hampering relief and recovery efforts.
Local media reports indicate that thousands of residents and tourists are stranded in various valleys due to the road closures. A severe shortage of drinking water, electricity, and communication services is being faced by the affected populations.
Ataur Rehman Kakar, Director General of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, reported that record temperatures were recorded in the region between July 18 and 21, leading to rapid glacier melting and incidents of glacial lake outburst floods in several locations.
Residents of the Hispar Valley in Nagar district have expressed that the disruption of road connectivity has severely impacted patients and students. Stocks of food and medicines are rapidly depleting, while shortages of other essential goods are also increasing.
Meanwhile, people from the affected districts of Diamer, Astor, Ghizer, and others have complained about interruptions in electricity and water supply, along with a lack of essential items.
Residents of the Astor Valley have voiced concerns over the slow pace of relief efforts, stating that the valley has been completely cut off for the past three days, leaving the area nearly isolated.
It is noteworthy that heavy rains last week caused sudden flooding in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in widespread devastation. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, flash floods were reported at six locations in the Diamer district on July 13.
The floods have damaged numerous houses, while several sections of the Karakoram Highway have also been affected. Additionally, crops, agricultural land, and both public and private properties have suffered severe impacts.
In the Thore Valley, the main road has been washed away at multiple points, completely halting traffic. Damaged power transmission lines and debris entering homes have caused significant hardships for thousands of residents.
In the Khanbari area, devastating floods have completely swept away several homes, with reports of a large number of livestock also being lost.
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
