Glacier burst triggers massive floods, evacuations in Gilgit-Baltistan

A sudden outburst from the Shispar Glacier lake in Hunza has triggered flash floods, intensified land erosion, and forced evacuations in multiple parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Residents are now facing severe infrastructure damage and urgent humanitarian needs.

Shispar Glacier eruption worsens erosion in Hunza

The intermittent bursting of water from the Shispar Glacier lake has caused significant land erosion in Hassanabad village, Hunza. Authorities say the glacier, melting rapidly due to an ongoing heatwave, has been releasing surges of water, damaging homes and infrastructure.

Five houses have been marked for evacuation, and residents in high-risk zones have been told to leave immediately. Locals are seen partially dismantling their homes to salvage construction materials.

Karakoram Highway damaged, alternative route in place

The floods have also affected a key section of the Karakoram Highway near Hassanabad. Though damage is reported, an alternative route has been opened to keep traffic movement ongoing. The district administration is closely monitoring the glacier’s condition as more bursts are expected.

Ghizer District cut off amid heavy flooding

In Ghizer, floods have severely impacted the Khalti Khatam area, where the river has redirected toward the Gilgit-Shandur Road, completely severing land access to the remote Phander tehsil. The road has now been closed from both sides for 11 days.

The closure has triggered food and medicine shortages, leaving residents stranded and vulnerable. Additional Deputy Commissioner Yasin Sher Afzal has appealed to the Upper Chitral administration for urgent humanitarian aid and supplies.

Relief and rescue efforts underway

Local volunteers and National Highway Authority (NHA) teams are working to restore road connectivity in Ghizer. Meanwhile, temporary shelters and evacuation measures are in place for those affected in Hunza.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) is coordinating with local bodies to manage the crisis, but residents are urging the government to take swift and long-term measures as climate-linked glacial outbursts become more frequent.