Ghizer GLOF Damages 330 Homes, Shops in Gilgit-Baltistan

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district caused extensive damage, affecting over 330 homes and dozens of shops across multiple villages, according to an initial government assessment. The disaster, triggered by a glacier burst and landslide, created a seven-kilometre-long artificial lake, but no fatalities were reported due to timely evacuations.

The flood inundated villages including Tildas, Miduri, Mulaabad, Hawks Thangi, Rawshan, and Goth, with Raushan village losing nearly 80% of its structures, per local reports. The district administration noted that a natural spillway has reduced the artificial lake’s water level, easing fears of further erosion. However, 330 homes and several shops face severe financial losses, with upstream areas still submerged.

On the morning of 22 August, the village of Raoshan in Ghizer was hit by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). While no casualties have been reported so far, villagers trapped by the floodwaters have been successfully rescued.

However, a major threat still looms over Ghizer. The… pic.twitter.com/NiJQ9aufBk

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Over 200 people were evacuated by Rescue 1122 and Pakistan Army helicopters, receiving medical care and temporary shelter in Sumal and Yangal, per Additional Deputy Commissioner Gupis Yasin. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan visited the affected areas, directing resources for relief, including tents and rations. Senior official Sher Afzal cautioned that the unstable natural dam at Raushan could still breach, posing ongoing risks.

Read: Shepherd Saves Hundreds in Ghizer Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts rain in Gilgit-Baltistan from August 23 to 27, 2025, with potential landslides in Ghizer and other districts, maintaining a high alert. This GLOF, the fourth in northern Pakistan this season, aligns with warnings from experts about accelerating glacier melt due to rising temperatures, with 617 glacial lakes in the region, per UNDP data.

The disaster underscores the need for robust early warning systems and infrastructure upgrades. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advises residents to use its Disaster Alert App for updates. As relief operations continue, authorities are urged to address the growing threat of GLOFs to protect vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan.