GILGIT: The floods caused by melting glaciers continued to swell streams and rivers across Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday, damaging houses, crops, bridges and roads.

The floods have also stranded thousands of people in remote areas.

Authorities said floods from melting glacier in Bazgang nullah continued on the third day on Saturday, with debris brought by it damaged over 40 houses in Tumik area of Rondu valley of Skardu, forcing residents to migrate to safe places.

The floods damaged crops standing over hundreds of kanals, trees, cattle farms, causing loss worth millions of rupees.

Flooded streams submerged Dasu and Youchong bridges, disconnecting five villages from other areas. Similarly, floods also damaged properties and communication infrastructure in various areas of Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, Ghanche. In these areas, many water channels have been damaged, creating drinking water shortage.

It is to mention here that water flow in streams and rivers increases in summer, which causes flooding.

Public properties, roads, houses and agriculture land have also received extensive damage in Jutal, Baseen and Haramosh areas of Gilgit and Sherqilla area of Ghizer district and various areas of Diamer.

Meanwhile, road link of various villages situated upstream the artificially formed lake in Ishkoman valley of Ghizer district remained disrupted for the seventh straight day on Saturday, with army helicopters continuing supply of food and medicines to the affected areas and shifting patients to hospitals.

The artificial lake created by melting glacier in Batsuwat area of Ishkoman valley has submerged over 40 homes and crops.

According to a press release issued by ISPR, the relief operation by Pakistan Army continued in affected areas of Ishkoman valley despite bad weather.

It said medical and engineers’ teams of army were in the areas affected by the artificial lake.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2018