GILGIT: At least two workers were struck by lightning and injured on Thursday in Gilgit-Baltistan, where flash floods also damaged over a dozen homes and a powerhouse and temporarily blocked key roads like the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the Juglot-Skardu Road, rescue officials said.

Intermittent rain was received across the region on Wednesday and Thursday morning, and electricity remained suspended in many areas.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department in Islamabad has meanwhile issued an alert for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) — a sudden release of water caused by the collapse of naturally forming dams that contain glacial lakes — across GB on Friday (today).

It also expected hot weather to persist in Gilgit-Baltistan, followed by rain spells over the week.

Rescue 1122 officials told Dawn the two men were injured on Wednesday night when lighting hit a labour camp in Ghupis Valley of Ghizer District. After initial treatment, the injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Ghupis and then to PHQ Hospital, Gilgit.

Besides, a flash flood in Muthat Nallah in Diamer damaged eight houses, 100 kanals of land, 10 cattle sheds, trees, and water channels. The flood also damaged a two-megawatt powerhouse near Raikot.

A flash flood from Supetar Nallah damaged 100 kanals of cultivated land in Tokorkot village in Nagar Khas. It also damaged a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridge in Tokorkot village.

The KKH and Juglot-Skardu Road were opened for traffic by the evening.

Altamash Janjua, the commissioner of the Diamer division, told Dawn that no human loss had been reported so far. Tents, food, medicine and other necessary items had been sent to the affected areas, he said.

Meanwhile, the Met department said the flows of river streams would increase, which might trigger flash floods and GLOFs in vulnerable areas. It advised residents and relevant local organisations to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures.

According to a report prepared by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, some 113 disaster events last year resulted in the loss of 23 lives and caused considerable damage to infrastructure and properties across the region.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2023