Dozens trapped, villages submerged after glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan's Ghizer
Pakistan
Over 50 people stranded in the village of Raushan have been successfully rescued
GILGTI (Dunya News) – A glacier burst in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan has triggered massive flooding, submerging several villages and trapping residents in remote areas.
The incident occurred in the Talidas area of Gupis, leading to a complete blockade of the Ghizer River due to heavy landslides.
Government spokesperson Faizullah confirmed that while there has been significant financial loss, no casualties have been reported.
Over 50 people stranded in the village of Raushan have been successfully rescued as part of an ongoing relief operation.
The glacier burst has caused the water to form a lake, increasing the risk of flooding in adjacent areas, Faizullah stated.
He added that Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan is personally monitoring the situation to prevent further damage.
District authorities likened the scenario to the 2010 Attabad Lake disaster, noting that landslides occurred from both sides of the Talidas valley.
The landslides have rendered the Gilgit–Shandur Road completely impassable and isolated the Raushan village population.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Home Minister Shamsulhaq Lone confirmed that military helicopters were deployed to assist in evacuations. A helicopter from the Force Command Northern Areas reached Ghizer to airlift those trapped in flood-hit areas.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ghizer reported that the Ghizer River has been completely blocked since 3 am due to the landslide. Upstream villages, including Hakis, are now underwater as the newly formed lake continues to expand rapidly.
Local residents shared videos showing the Raushan Bridge on the Gilgit–Chitral Road nearly submerged.
Emergency services including Rescue 1122, local administration, and disaster management teams are actively involved in rescue and relief operations on the ground.
