Gilgit-Baltistan is a region known for its breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes, is now facing a growing threat. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). As temperatures rise and glaciers melt at an alarming rate, the risk of sudden, devastating floods has increased, putting lives, homes, and the environment in danger.
 |
| Glacier |
A Warning Ignored?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) recently issued a GLOF alert for northern Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan. The warning came after intense heatwaves, strong monsoon rains, and shifting weather patterns accelerated glacier melting. Unfortunately, this alert was not just a precaution—it became a reality within hours.
On Wednesday, a flash flood caused by a melting glacier surged through the Burundubar stream, flowing into the famous Attabad Lake—a major tourist destination. The floodwaters rushed into the Luxus Hotel, trapping both local and foreign tourists inside. Panic spread as the flood cut off road access, leaving people stranded.
Thankfully, Rescue 1122 acted quickly, evacuating more than 160 tourists and staff by boat. However, the damage was already done—trees were uprooted, land was destroyed, and fear gripped the area.
Skardu Also Under Threat
The disaster was not limited to Attabad. In Skardu’s Barga Nallah, rising temperatures caused another flood, submerging homes and farmlands. Police reported that water entered houses and destroyed crops, leaving families helpless.
Why Is This Happening?
Khadim Hussain, Director of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA), explained that climate change is the main culprit.
"In the past, snowfall would start in November or December, turning into ice over time. Now, snow falls in February or March, but it doesn’t freeze properly. When heatwaves come, the snow melts rapidly, leading to sudden floods," he said.
But climate change is not the only problem. Human activities—such as deforestation, unchecked construction, and excessive tourism—are making things worse. More people are settling near rivers and glaciers, leaving them vulnerable when floods strike.
A National Crisis, Not Just a Local One
An environmental expert warned that this is not just Gilgit-Baltistan’s problem—it affects all of Pakistan.
"The glaciers in GB provide 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural water. If they keep melting this fast, the entire country will face water shortages and food insecurity," the expert said.
Despite the danger, many believe the government is not doing enough.Honestly, barely anyone’s talking to folks about what climate change really means for them, or teaching people what to do when all hell breaks loose. Floods keep showing up like unwanted guests, but yeah—will anyone actually do something before we’re knee-deep in disaster? Who knows.
So, what’s actually possible here?
Early warning systems would help—keep an eye on glaciers and lakes, so maybe we get a heads-up before everything goes underwater. Wouldn’t hurt.
Plant more trees! No, seriously. It’s not just hippie talk. Trees hold the ground together and chill out the melting—plus, they make everything less ugly.
How about we stop letting people build whatever they want right next to rivers and glaciers? Strict building laws, please. It’s wild out there.
Community awareness—teach people what to do when water comes rushing in. Most folks have no clue, and that’s not really their fault.
And, oh boy, governments. Maybe, just maybe, spend some real money and actually pass laws that mean something. Vulnerable areas need more than empty promises.
Bottom line
Gilgit-Baltistan’s glaciers are going fast, and the floods are getting nastier. If everyone keeps dragging their feet, we’ll lose more people, trash more land, and even mess with the country’s water. So, yeah, time to stop talking and actually do something—otherwise, next time, it’s going to be even worse.
0 Comments