Glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer creates artificial lake, cuts off villages

A glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district on Friday triggered flash floods, causing destruction and cutting off several villages, though no deaths were reported.

According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, the glacier burst occurred in the Tali Das area of Gupis, where flooding submerged multiple villages and blocked the Gilgit–Shandur Road due to landslides.

The flow of the Ghizer River was also disrupted, leaving some communities isolated.

Read more: Man missing for 28 years found dead on Kohistan glacier

Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghizer said timely warnings helped prevent loss of life, while over 50 people have been rescued so far. Helicopters have been deployed for relief operations, and the GB chief minister is monitoring the situation.

گلگت،غذر میں ایک بار پھر گلیشئیر پھٹ گیا،علاقے میں تباہی مچادی،سیلاب سے متعدد دیہات زیر آب آ گئیں،غذر گوپس کا علاقہ تلی داس کے مقام پر گلشئیر پھٹ گیا@GBTourism_ @gbdma @ndmapk @pmdgov#Flood pic.twitter.com/hNjJSyVU7b

— Mumtaz Shigri (@iamMumtazShigri) August 22, 2025

Officials said that the glacier burst has created an artificial large lake, raising the risk of further flooding.

⚠️ خطرے کی گھنٹی..

عطا اباد ہنزہ کے بعد غزر میں ایک اور جھیل !!

اج صبح سویرے سیلاب کی وجہ سے دریا کے بہاؤ کے رکنے سے ہنزہ اعطا اباد جھیل کی طرح ایک نئی جھیل غزر ویلی می بننے کا خدشہ پیدا ہو گیا ہے۔ اور دوسرا جھیل بننے کے امکانات ہیں، جو بڑے خطرے کی نشاندہی کر رہا ہے pic.twitter.com/9RQHEyM18R

— Gilgit Baltistan Tourism. (@GBTourism_) August 22, 2025

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain and thunderstorms across Gilgit-Baltistan, including Ghizer, from August 23 to 27, with heavy falls likely in Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

It warned that landslides and mudslides could block roads in vulnerable hilly areas and urged residents to remain alert.