Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued special directives regarding the flood situation in Ghizer area of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood as hundreds of housed damaged forcing families to flee, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.
Flash floods struck Roshan valley in Ghizer district of G-B early Friday after a glacier burst, damaging hundreds of houses and forcing hundreds of families to flee, said officials.
In an official statement, the prime minister instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and district administration to continue rescue operations with urgency. He expressed his appreciation for the rescue teams and local volunteers, acknowledging their prompt efforts to evacuate residents to safer locations.
Read More: Over 100 homes damaged in glacier outburst in G-B’s Ghizer district
“I commend the dedication and swift response of all rescue teams and local volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect lives in the face of this disaster,” PM Shehbaz said.
With two more spells of rain forecast in the coming days, the prime minister underscored the need to intensify relief activities. “We must ensure that all affected people are moved to safe places to avoid further casualties,” he added.
He further directed all relevant authorities nationwide to remain fully prepared for relief operations, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding, as the forecast predicts additional heavy rains.
Highlighting the importance of long-term preventative measures, the premier announced the launch of a national campaign aimed at preventing unauthorized construction near rivers, streams, and natural watercourses. “It is imperative to safeguard our communities by respecting natural waterways and limiting construction in vulnerable areas,” he stated.
Addressing the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, he emphasized that it is a national duty to support those affected by the recent rains and floods. “Once immediate rescue and relief operations conclude, we will focus on the rehabilitation of displaced families,” he said.
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PM Shehbaz also stressed the necessity of timely provision of medical aid and relief supplies to victims. “Ensuring that medical assistance and essential supplies reach all those in need without delay remains a top priority,” he noted.
Additionally, the prime minister instructed the NDMA to maintain close coordination with provincial disaster management authorities regarding flood conditions in areas including Guddu, Sukkur, Ganda Singh Wala, and other regions along the Indus and Sutlej rivers.
In a gesture of recognition, Pm Shehbaz praised Wasiyat Khan, a resident of Ghizer, for his courageous act of warning neighbours in advance of the impending floods, which helped save lives. “His bravery in alerting his community exemplifies the spirit of resilience and solidarity we need in these challenging times,” the prime minister remarked.
Ghizer, about 200 km from G-B, was among the worst-hit valleys in the recent floods, with at least 10 fatalities reported.
A 7-km (4-mile) lake created by a mountain mudslide, is threatening to burst and unleash potentially "catastrophic" floods downstream, officials warned on Saturday.
Read More: Shepherd's alert saves entire village in G-B
The mud flow descended into the main Ghizer River channel and blocked it completely on Friday, creating the lake in G-B province, the National Disaster Management Authority said.
The blockage created a "dam-like structure" that poses a significant threat of bursting, it said in a situation report by its provincial office.
The new lake "can cause a catastrophic flood", said Zakir Hussain, director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
Four downstream districts - Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore and Diamer - face a serious threat, he told Reuters.
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