Updated on
Summary
The water from Hunza lake formed by a landslide has started causing destruction and submerging nearby villages. Geologists from around the world have started converging to the valley. Around 36 villages are at flood risk if the landslide-triggered Atabad lake overruns. The rising water level at the lake has posed threat of outflow from the under construction spillway. At least 36 villages situated from Hunza and Gilgit may possibly be affected with the over-spill.The outburst from the lake would wipe off everything in its way upto a distance of 200 kilometers. Possible disaster also threatens the popular tourist resort of Gulmit on the main Karakoram Highway that links Pakistan with China, and part of which has already closed.The water is expected to rise further because of rain and melting glaciers.The loss of life and property in Attabad town, Hunza has been caused due to negligence of the federal institutes and Gilgit-Baltistan administration.According to a Pakistan Geological Survey report of Attabad received by Dunya News, the area was declared dangerous during August 2009. The report also suggested people to evacuate the area. The report was also sent to Gilgit-Baltistan administration, Disaster Management Authority and the PM secretariat. The report recommended measures to avoid any catastrophe but no action was taken.
