Gilgit-Baltistan: Authorities have sounded the alarm after a massive mudslide in Gilgit-Baltistan blocked the Ghizer River and created a 7-kilometre-long lake, sparking fears of devastating floods in four downstream districts.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Saturday that the mudslide completely obstructed the river’s flow on Friday, forming a “dam-like structure” that could burst at any time.
“The new lake can cause a catastrophic flood,” warned Zakir Hussain, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). He said the districts of Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore, and Diamer face the highest risk if the natural dam gives way.
The warning comes as northern Pakistan reels from deadly monsoon rains and cloudbursts that have killed nearly 400 people since mid-August.
A video released by NDMA shows black mud cascading down a mountainside before crashing into the river, though Reuters could not independently verify it. Local officials confirmed that multiple mudslides occurred in the area, feeding the lake.
Thanks to a shepherd who first spotted the fast-moving mud and alerted residents, around 200 people from scattered houses near the river were evacuated in time.
Provincial spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said the lake has started releasing some water, reducing immediate risk, but flash floods downstream remain a possibility until the blockage is fully cleared. Communities have been told to stay on high alert and evacuate vulnerable riverbank areas.
