Gilgit, August 22, 2025: A glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district on Friday triggered flooding and widespread destruction, blocking the flow of the Ghizer River and forming an artificial lake, officials confirmed.
According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, the glacier burst occurred at Tali Das in Gupis, submerging multiple villages and causing heavy financial losses. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
The district administration said landslides completely blocked the Gilgit–Shandur Road, while twin slides at the Tali Das stream cut off access to Raushan village. The Ghizer River remained blocked for nearly six hours, threatening nearby settlements, but timely evacuation helped prevent loss of life.
Rescue in-charge Raja Ajmal said about 200 people were shifted to safer areas in Sumal and Yangal, while efforts were ongoing to evacuate six stranded residents of Raushan. He added that the partial restoration of river flow had eased the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
GB Home Minister Shams Lone confirmed that helicopters had been deployed for rescue operations, while over 50 people had already been rescued. The region’s Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation, officials said.
The latest disaster compounds the devastation from earlier flash floods that have battered Gilgit-Baltistan since July, leaving thousands without clean water, electricity, or road access. Authorities estimate overall losses at around Rs30 billion, while at least 39 people — including tourists — have been killed in rain-related incidents so far.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast fresh rain, wind, and thundershowers for August 23–27 across Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar. Isolated heavy downpours could trigger further landslides and mudslides, the Met Office warned, urging residents and authorities to remain on high alert.
