Heavy flooding damages major stretch of Karakoram highway

A glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) from Shisper Glacier swelled the Hassanabad Nullah in Hunza, damaging infrastructure, and putting dozens of mountainside homes at risk in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

A section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Gilgit-Baltistan has been washed away after a sharp rise in river levels caused by accelerated glacial melting due to rising temperatures. The surge in water flow has triggered localised flooding in several areas, damaging infrastructure and putting communities at risk. According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the damaged portion of the KKH is now completely impassable. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has ordered immediate restoration work, and emergency teams are already on-site to repair the route. Officials have stressed the urgency of reopening the highway, which serves as a vital trade and travel link between Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass.

In a separate incident in Skardu, a boat carrying tourists capsized in the Zhouq Kachura area, leaving several people missing. Authorities believe unusually high water levels in the lake, caused by glacial runoff, may have contributed to the accident. Rescue operations are underway, and search teams are working to locate the missing passengers. The local administration has banned boating in affected areas under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, warning that violators — including tour operators — will face strict action.

These events are part of a growing pattern of climate-related disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan. Since June, Pakistan has faced destructive flooding linked to cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods, and intense monsoon rains. G-B remains among the most vulnerable regions due to its mountainous terrain and climate sensitivity. With monsoon activity continuing and temperatures rising, authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay alert, follow safety instructions, and prepare for possible further disruptions.