• Road links in GB remain severed for fifth straight day
• Food, fuel shortages deepen in flood-cut mountain communities
• Rescuers search for youth swept away in Haramosh; authorities urge residents to avoid riverbanks, stream beds
GILGIT: The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert on Sunday for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the first week of August, as commuters remained stranded in different parts of GB with road access cut off for a fifth consecutive day due to flash floods.
In continuation of an alert issued on July 17, the PMD said the combined effect of a warm thermal regime and ongoing intermittent precipitation will likely continue.
“This significant warming with intermittent rain will substantially accelerate snow and ice melt in the glaciated valleys of these regions,” the PMD said. It noted existing glacial lakes might rapidly expand and new lakes could form.
“The possible impacts include vulnerable downstream locations and low-lying areas adjacent to stream/riverbeds may face a high risk of sudden high flows.”
The rapid expansion can destabilise natural dams, potentially triggering Glof incidents, heavy mudflows, and landslides in steep terrains.
The PMD advised people in snowbound and glaciated valleys to take precautionary measures, suggesting they stay away from riverbanks, stream beds, and local nullahs and monitor water bodies closely for changes.
Rapid melting has hampered restoration work. Commuters and thousands of tourists are stranded without food or shelter in the remote Haramosh area, though local volunteers are providing aid.
Road access remains disconnected for a fifth day in the Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang, and Ghanche districts of Baltistan, along with the Astore district.
Closed routes include the Baltistan Road, Naltar Road, Haramosh Road, Hispar Road, Astore Valley Road at Khachak, and Hushe Valley Road at Rout Longba in the Ghanche district. Residents of Hispar Valley of Nagar are also disconnected.
“High water levels and mudflows in rivers and nullahs have created serious challenges for road restoration activities,” said Ataur Rehman Kakar, director general of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority.
In the Haramosh area, newly installed iron bridge abutments on Baltistan Road were damaged by rising water. In Astore, landslides buried an excavator during rehabilitation operations; the operator was rescued.
Locals said residents in disconnected areas are experiencing shortages of fuel, food, and essentials.
Meanwhile, one youngster went missing and another was rescued after falling into fast-flowing water while attempting to cross Sasi Nallah in Haramosh.
The youths, stuck near Ansar Camp, were trying to cross the stream using a piece of wood.Rescue 1122 personnel searched from Zero Point to the accident site on Sunday, but no trace of the missing youth was found.
Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2026
