Chief secy G-B assures safety to tourists travelling within region after GLOF

Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Mohyuddin Wani on Sunday assured that the situation, post the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at Hassanabad, is under control and being managed by the district administration.

On Saturday, glacial lake over Shisper glacier unleashed a massive outburst of flood in Hunza and a few more lakes were created, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) revealed. It said the glacial lake outburst flood in Hunza was mainly triggered due to abrupt temperature rise in the northern areas.

Earlier today, the chief secretary stated that tourists can safely travel from Gilgit to Hunza and anywhere within the region. However, while travelling to Hunza a 15-min additional detour via Nager Valley will be required to reach Karimabad, Aliabad, central and upper Hunza, including Attabaad lake.

“We have established district and divisional level foreigner’s security cells. The administration at the district level has been further empowered with resources to be equipped for any eventuality. Powers have also been delegated to the district administration to facilitate visiting domestic and foreign tourists,” said CS Wani.

He further assured that intelligence agencies, including the ISI, IB and MI are assisting the provincial government in further improving security apparatus in G-B.

He added that an alternate route via Nager Valley has been properly manned to ensure the safe travel of visitors, stating that he had “personally travelled twice on the route yesterday and today and found it secure for the movement of vehicles.”

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“I was surprised to see the local community involved and volunteering to manage traffic movement on the alternate route, which is very encouraging for all of us,” the chief added.

PM Shehbaz takes notice

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the GLOF and directed the concerned authorities to immediately enable the required emergency measures to cope with the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The directives were issued after damage was caused by the melting of Shishper glacier, releasing a flood of water into the downstream lake which inundated the surrounding areas.

The prime minister directed authorities to shift affected families and their movable articles to safe areas and mobilise supplies of food, medicines and other emergency equipment to the affected area.

The premier expressed deep grief and sorrow over the losses faced by the community and ensured that all possible steps would be taken for the rehabilitation of those affected. He also summoned a report over the incident and directed for full assistance to the government of G-B.

Taking into account the damage to the infrastructure, the PM issued a directive for the provision of substitute access to the area after the crumbling of Hassanabad bridge due to the GLOF.

PM Shehbaz inquired into the estimated disruption of agriculture, potable water systems, and electricity as two powerhouses were affected.

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He directed for immediate restoration of the 700MW and 250MW powerhouses on war footing and said that its expenditures would be borne away by the federal government.

The prime minister also summoned a report regarding damage caused to the Karakorum Highway.

Bridge to be reinstalled in Hunza within one week: NHA

The chairperson of the National Highway Authority (NHA) has said that the installation of the Hassanabad bridge in Hunza – which was destroyed and swept away by a glacial lake outburst flood – will be completed within a week.

The NHA chairperson along with engineers visited the affected bridge, where the chairperson discussed rehabilitation efforts with the chief secretary and Frontier Workers Organisation officials.

The chairperson stated that a steel ballet bridge will be installed on the suspension bridge and that the construction of the permanent bridge, and the temporary bridge will be started simultaneously.

“All available resources should be utilised in the construction of the bridge.”

Chief secretary visits Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Wani revisited the flood-hit area in Hunza early in the morning to assess the damage and assured all possible cooperation.

The chief secretary was directed to expedite the repair work of the collapsed bridge, while issuing orders to ensure the provision of water, electricity, internet and telephone services in the affected area.

Wani arrived in Hunza last night to visit the affected area to assess the damage and provide immediate relief to the victims.

He also gave the admin approval on the spot regarding the supply of two-megawatt generators for power supply and supply of water, while also issuing orders for estimation of land in the affected area.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the G-B chief secretary said that the disaster was an unfortunate incident, which damaged public and private property and gardens.

“The government is ready to face all the challenges, and people trapped in the affected area have been shifted to safer places,” he said.

He further assured full financial and administrative support to the victims and the district administration.