Grey skies ahead : More floods expected near glaciers of G-B

Alert issued to people living downstream of lakes, rivers

GILGIT: Still recovering from the recent devastation, inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan have to brace themselves for another round of flooding.

A warning to this effect was issued by the G-B Meteorological Department. The department warned the ongoing spell of rains may cause glacial lakes outburst floods (GLOF), leading to destruction in the villages and towns located downstream of rivers and lakes.

“Due to the developing weather system, the peaks above 1,500 feet may receive snowfall while the low-lying areas may receive showers,” read the weather alert. It came days after G-B was hit by floods, killing 17 and causing losses of more than Rs1.5 billion.

“GLOF may occur in areas near the glaciers,” the alert read, advising people living near rivers and lakes to watch the weather over the next five days.

Current conditions

A heavy downpour has been lashing the region since the early hours of Tuesday. Peaks in the region have also turned white as snowfall continues. Flights between Islamabad and Gilgit were also cancelled due to low visibility and bad weather. The water level in Gilgit River has increased as well, posing threats to inhabitants living in the low-lying areas.

According to an insider familiar with the matter, continuous rain has increased chances of landslides in areas such as Diamer and Kohistan and may block the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

“There were a few boulders on the highway. If the heavy showers continue in the region, the blockade is likely to worsen,” a passenger, who reached Gilgit from Islamabad via KKH, told The Express Tribune.

According to the deputy commissioner for Diamer, snowfall up to six inches caused a blockade in Babusar, suspending traffic between G-B and Mansehra. “Up to six inches of snow has fallen on the Babusar top so far,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. Snow continued to fall until the filing of this report.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2015.