Lake formed by mountain mudslide can cause ‘catastrophic’ floods in GB: PDMA

A large lake created by a mountain mudslide in Gilgit-Baltistan could cause catastrophic foods, officials warned on Saturday.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the mudslide descended into the main Ghizer River in Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, blocking the water flow and forming a lake approximately seven kilometres (four miles) long.

The NDMA described the blockage as a “dam-like structure” that could burst, causing flood.

Zakir Hussain, director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said the situation could lead to “ a catastrophic flood” in four districts, including Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore, and Diamer.

The mudslide follows weeks of destructive monsoon rains and cloudbursts that have caused widespread damage in Pakistan, particularly in the northern mountain regions, killing nearly 400 people since mid-August.

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

A video shared by the NDMA on its official messaging group shows dark mud rushing down a mountainside and spilling into the river.

Local spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said multiple mudflows entered the river from different points.

He added that a shepherd who first saw the mudslide raised the alarm, enabling villagers and authorities to evacuate roughly 200 residents living in scattered homes along the riverbanks and nearby slopes.

Officials said the lake has started to release water, which has slightly reduced the immediate risk of a sudden breach. However, flash floods remain possible until the water fully drains. Communities downstream have been instructed to stay alert and clear areas close to the river.