GILGIT: A glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) caused devastation in Badsuwat village of Ishkoman valley in Ghizer district, submerging link roads, damaging electricity and road infrastructure, standing crops, orchards and other private properties on Saturday.

Officials said the floods left eight remote villages disconnected with Ishkoman valley, adding a swelling nullah also damaged trout fish farms.

Ghizer deputy commissioner Zamir Abbas said on Sunday that surge in the Badsuwat glacier was on the decline. He said vulnerable people would be shifted to safer places.

Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan directed the departments concerned to initiate relief and rehabilitation activities in Badsuwat area.

In a press release issued on Sunday, he directed to ensure restoration of damaged road and electricity infrastructure in the affected areas.

He directed the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to supervise the rescue and relief activities.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2021