Key points
- Disaster management official terms situation in Gilgit Baltistan “unusual”
- Rising river levels pose a threat to communities
- Rains cause waterlogging in urban Punjab
ISLAMABAD: Record-breaking summer temperatures in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have triggered accelerated glacier melting, resulting in flooding across the region.
Authorities report blocked roads, damaged infrastructure, and displaced communities following Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on Tuesday.
ہوپر-سُپلتر نالے میں متعدد فلیش فلڈ ویوز، نگر خاص گلگت بلتستان میں تباہی کی انتۂا۔۔
سیاحوں سے گزارش ہے کہ فی الحال ہوپر نگر ویلی جانے سے گریز کریں۔ علاقے میں شدید خطرات کی فضا ہے، مزید بارش یا لینڈ سلائیڈنگ کے امکانات موجود ہیں۔
📢 یہ مناظر ہمیں موسمیاتی تبدیلی کی حقیقت اور… pic.twitter.com/NxslKwguKn
— Gilgit Baltistan Tourism. (@GBTourism_) July 8, 2025
The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) noted that Chilas town recorded 48.5°C last week, the highest since 1997, while Bunji town reached 46.1°C, a 54-year record.
GBDMA Director General Zakir Hussain called the situation “unusual,” with rising river levels posing threats, particularly in Diamer and Gilgit, according to Dawn.
Karakoram Highway blocked
Floodwaters blocked the strategic Karakoram Highway at multiple locations.
لینڈ سلائیڈنگ وارننگ:
شدید بارشوں سے لینڈ سلائیڈنگ کا امکان۔ متاثرہ علاقے: گلگت بلتستان (گلگت، اسکردو، ہنزہ، استور، دیامر، گانچھے، شگر)، مظفرآباد، نیلم ویلی، راولا کوٹ، ہویلی، باغ۔
احتیاط: حساس علاقوں کی جانب سفر سے گریز کریں۔ این ڈی ایم اے ڈیزاسٹر الرٹ ایپ سے رہنمائی لیں pic.twitter.com/tJI6p9UdYJ— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 8, 2025
In Nagar area, flash floods destroyed agricultural land, drinking water systems and link roads. Four houses were evacuated in Hunza after a GLOF from the Shishper Glacier threatened local properties.
According to local authorities, rescue operations are underway.
A river stream is flooded in Chilas, Gilgit Baltistan, affecting crops and land. pic.twitter.com/QjsnEBSuvE
— Syed M Abubakar (@SyedMAbubakar) July 8, 2025
“Our priority is saving lives,” said Hussain, adding that affected residents have been moved to safer areas. GBDMA has requested scientific support to monitor glacier behaviour.
Waterlogging
Meanwhile, in Punjab, heavy monsoon rains caused urban flooding in Lahore, with some areas receiving over 40mm of rain.
Moreover, waterlogging disrupted traffic and overwhelmed drainage systems. WASA workers are operating pumps around the clock.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority DG Irfan Ali Kathia warned of 40–60 per cent above-normal rainfall in coming days, especially near Head Marala.
Relief camps have been set up and evacuation orders issued in vulnerable areas.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered all departments, including Water and Sanitation (WASA) and Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert and ensure public safety during the monsoon season.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid travel to affected areas and stay vigilant as climate extremes intensify across the country.
