The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for the Hoper and Hisper valleys in Nagar district as rapidly melting glaciers continue to increase flood risks across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The ongoing heatwave has significantly accelerated glacier melt, causing rivers and streams to swell beyond normal levels. The rising water flow has triggered flash floods and mudslides, damaging roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, agricultural land, and residential properties in several remote areas.
In Ghanche district, flooding affected multiple link roads and submerged a suspension bridge over Hushe Nallah, temporarily isolating nearby communities. Authorities also reported disruptions on the Siachen, Chorbat, and Ghowari roads, with some routes later reopened after emergency restoration work.
A separate flash flood also blocked the Karakoram Highway near the Khunjerab Pass, briefly halting passenger and cargo traffic between Pakistan and China before the road was cleared.
Local authorities have deployed heavy machinery to restore damaged infrastructure and urged residents living near rivers and glacial streams to remain alert. The NDMA has advised citizens to monitor official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas, and follow evacuation instructions if conditions worsen.
Experts warn that rising temperatures continue to increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods in northern Pakistan, making preparedness and timely response essential during the summer season.