Gilgit( The COW News Digital)A sudden glacier burst in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan has unleashed devastating floods and landslides, leaving several villages submerged and hundreds of residents trapped. The disaster occurred late Thursday night near the Tali Das stream, where heavy landslides on both sides completely blocked the Gilgit-Shandur road, cutting off all transport links.
According to local officials, floodwaters from the burst glacier quickly formed a lake, inundating multiple settlements, including Raushan village, where the entire population has been stranded. Rescue authorities confirmed that dozens of houses have been damaged, while families remain encircled by rising waters.
District administration officials reported that at least 50 people have already been rescued, though many others remain in need of urgent evacuation. “The flow of the Ghizer River was halted around 3 a.m. due to the landslides, creating a risk of further flooding and erosion in nearby communities,” said an additional deputy commissioner.
Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that while significant financial and material losses have been reported, there are currently no fatalities. He warned, however, that the situation remains critical. “If the blocked water breaks through suddenly, the destruction could intensify,” he said.
Interior Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Shams Lone, also acknowledged the severity of the situation. “Fortunately, no lives have been lost so far. But many people remain stranded in hard-hit areas, and helicopters have been deployed for urgent evacuations,” he said. Acting on the directives of the Commander of the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA), army helicopters were dispatched immediately to assist in relief operations.
Police reports indicated that around 50 residents of Raushan village have appealed for immediate relocation to safe areas. Meanwhile, rescue teams are racing against time to evacuate those trapped and to prevent further casualties.
The Ghizer district, often battered by natural disasters, is once again facing a dual human and environmental challenge. Experts warn that the repeated cycle of glacier bursts, floods, and landslides in the region reflects the worsening impact of climate change on vulnerable mountain communities. For now, local authorities remain on high alert as rescue operations continue, and residents brace for potential new waves of flooding.
