GILGIT (Dunya News) - A cloudburst-triggered flash flood caused widespread destruction in Thore Valley of Diamer district on Saturday, while continued glacier melt due to soaring temperatures raised water levels in rivers and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan, increasing the risk of further flooding.
Heavy rainfall over the surrounding mountains unleashed flash floods that swept through Thore Valley, damaging homes, orchards, hundreds of acres of farmland, and public and private infrastructure.
The flooding washed away link roads and communication bridges, cutting off several villages and leaving dozens of families homeless. Electricity and water supply systems were also disrupted, while parked vehicles and standing crops were swept away by the floodwaters.
The flooding also affected the Wapda Colony housing employees of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, as well as nearby settlements, causing extensive property damage.
Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) Assistant Director General Imtiaz Ahmed said the district administration immediately launched relief operations. He said tents, food supplies and other essential items were being distributed among affected families, while damage assessments were underway. Authorities have also reopened the valley's main road and are working to restore access to affected areas.
Residents have appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, temporary shelter, medical aid and other essential supplies for families who lost their homes and livelihoods.
Glacier Melt Raises Flood Threat
Meanwhile, persistent heatwave conditions continued to accelerate glacier melting across Gilgit-Baltistan, significantly increasing water levels in rivers and streams.
Flooding in Sadpara Nallah blocked the Deosai Road, leaving several tourist vehicles stranded, while water erosion severed the road linking the Badswat area in Ghizer district. Rising water levels in Hopper Nallah also damaged crops and threatened roads, bridges and other infrastructure.