GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government said on Sunday that the lake formed after a glacial outburst in Ghizer district has receded to 40 feet and no longer poses a threat to nearby settlements.
Spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the situation downstream in Ghizer, Gilgit and Diamer was under control. More than 3,000 people from 330 households have been displaced, making it the second-largest internal displacement in the region since the 2010 Attabad tragedy.
Talidas village was worst hit, with residents shifted to a tent settlement. Officials admitted the early warning system in Ghizer had not been active at the time. Relief operations are being supervised by Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza.
Three shepherds who raised alarms and saved lives have been invited by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat to Islamabad. Among them, Wasiyat Khan from Rawshan warned villagers using his phone, while Nasir and Ali Ahmed helped rescue people in Daen and Gulmit.
Displaced families in Talidas continue to face difficulties in accessing food and other essentials.
GBDMA Director General Zakir Hussain said SOPs had been devised to safely release water from the artificial lake. Former chief minister Hafeezur Rehman questioned the Rs10 billion Glof-II early warning project run under the federal climate ministry.
Fresh rains have raised fears of new outburst floods. Astore Valley Road was blocked by landslides, while roads, irrigation systems and water channels were cut off at several points.
