Gilgit-Baltistan Flood Devastation Claims 10 Lives
. SPECIAL REPORT
GILGIT.AUG.14
A devastating flood disaster has struck Gilgit-Baltistan, claiming 10 lives, including a child, a female, and a woman. According to spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the tragedy unfolded across various districts, with Ghizer being the hardest hit, where 8 people lost their lives and 2 were injured.
– *Ghizer District:* 8 fatalities, 2 injuries, and 37 flood-affected areas
– *Diamer District:* 2 siblings killed, 2 injured (including 1 child)
The government has launched rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas. Restoration work on roads is underway, with the Karakoram Highway (KKH) partially restored at certain points, such as Lushi and Gindlu. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious.
Prime Minister ShehbazSharif has announced a Rs4 billion package for damage mapping and reconstruction efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan. The government has also initiated early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) to mitigate future disasters ¹. The region’s vulnerability to climate change has been highlighted, with glacier melt and flash floods becoming increasingly frequent. The government has emphasized the need for preparedness and mitigation measures to combat climate-related disasters.
