Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued special managers on the situation of flooding in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) area, caused by a flood of burst of glacial lake when hundreds of damaged families to flee, Radio Pakistan reported Saturday on Saturday.
The sudden floods hit Roshan Valley in Ghizer District of GB on early Friday after an explosion of the glacier, damaging hundreds of houses and forcing hundreds of families to flee, authorities said.
In an official statement, the Prime Minister instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the administration of the district to continue the emergency rescue operations. He expressed his appreciation for rescue teams and local volunteers, recognizing their rapid efforts to evacuate residents to safer places.
Read more: More than 100 houses damaged in Glacier’s outburst in Ghizer District of GB
“I praise the dedication and rapid response of all rescue teams and local volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect lives in front of this disaster,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
With two more rain forecast spells in the next few days, the prime minister stressed the need to intensify aid activities. “We must ensure that all affected people are transferred to safe places to avoid lower,” he added.
In addition, he directed all relevant authorities throughout the country that remain fully prepared for help operations, especially in low areas prone to floods, since the forecast predicts heavy additional rains.
Highlighting the importance of long -term preventive measures, Mremier announced the launch of a national campaign aimed at preventing unauthorized construction near rivers, streams and natural water courses. “It is imperative to safeguard our communities respecting the natural river paths and limiting construction in vulnerable areas,” he said.
When addressing the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, the prime minister emphasized that it is a national duty to support those affected by recent rains and floods. “Once they conclude the immediate rescue and relief operations, we will focus on the rehabilitation of displaced families,” he said.
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He also emphasized the need for a timely provision of medical assistance and supplies to help victims. “Ensure that medical assistance and essential supplies reach all those in need without delay are still a priority,” he said.
In addition, the Prime Minister instructed the NDMA to maintain close coordination with the provincial authorities of disaster management with respect to flood conditions in areas such as Guddu, Sukkur, Ganda Singh Wala and other regions along the Indo and Sutlej rivers.
In a gesture of recognition, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised Wasiyat Khan, a resident of Ghizer, for his brave act of warning the neighbors before imminent floods, which helped save lives. “His courage to alert his community exemplifies the spirit of resilience and solidarity that we need in these challenging times,” said Prime Minister.
Ghizer, about 200 km from GB, was one of the worst blow valleys in recent floods, with at least 10 deaths reported.
A 7 km (4 miles) lake in northern Pakistan, created by a mountain mud slip, threatens to potentially explode and unleash the “catastrophic” floods, the authorities warned on Saturday.
Read more: Shepherd’s alert saves the entire town in GB
The mud flow descended to the main channel of the Ghizer River and blocked it completely on Friday, creating the lake in the province of GB, said the National Disaster Management Authority.
The blockade created a “structure similar to the dam” that raises a significant threat of exploding, he said in a situation report by his provincial office.
The new lake “can cause a catastrophic flood,” said Zakir Hussain, general director of the Provincial Authority for Disaster.
Four downstream districts – Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore and Diamer – face a serious threat, he told Reuters.
