On August 22, 2025, Wasiat Khan, a shepherd in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district, was honoured for saving approximately 200 lives by alerting his village to a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Tali Das, Gupis. His quick thinking prevented a tragedy, though the flood caused significant damage, forming an artificial lake and submerging villages.
While tending his flock in the mountains, Khan noticed a glacier breaking apart and immediately called the residents of Tali Das, urging them to evacuate. Men, women, children, and the elderly fled to higher ground, leaving nearly 100 homes deserted. The flood destroyed many houses, but no lives were lost due to Khan’s timely warning. The GB police awarded him Rs10,000 and a certificate of appreciation for his courage.
Gilgit-Baltistan Police have commended Wasiyat Khan, a shepherd from Raushan, Gupis, whose timely midnight warning saved dozens of lives during Friday’s flash flood in Taalidas.
His urgent call at 2:50 am helped villagers evacuate just minutes before floodwaters swept away homes… pic.twitter.com/OZ4yGTbV8i
— PAMIR TIMES ® (@pamirtimes) August 22, 2025The GLOF, confirmed by GB spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, has blocked the Ghizer River since 3 AM, creating a large artificial lake that threatens nearby settlements, per the additional deputy commissioner. Landslides cut off Raushan village and the Gilgit-Shandur Road. Over 50 people have been rescued, with helicopters deployed to save stranded residents, including six in the Rawshan drain, according to Raja Ajmal, the rescue in charge.
GB Home Minister Shams Lone reported no fatalities but noted ongoing rescue efforts led by the Force Command Northern Areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts rain and potential landslides in Ghizer and other districts from August 23 to 27, urging vigilance. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) recommends using its Disaster Alert App for updates.
The GLOF, linked to climate-driven glacial melting, aligns with 24 similar events in Ghizer over two centuries, per IEEE research. With 617 glacial lakes in the region, 88 newly formed since 2000, enhanced early warning systems and infrastructure are critical to mitigate future risks, as emphasised by the NDMA.
