Senate warned 33 glacial lakes put 7.1 million at risk
A briefing to a Senate committee said 33 lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could burst suddenly, with gaps in early warning systems.
A Senate committee has been warned that 33 glacial lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are dangerous and could burst suddenly, putting about 7.1 million people at risk. The warning came during a detailed briefing on glacial lake outburst floods, known as GLOFs, according to a report by Minute Mirror.
Officials told the panel that Pakistan has 13,032 glaciers and more than 3,000 glacial lakes. Of these, 33 lakes were described as capable of sudden failure. The briefing covered the condition of glaciers, the danger from unstable lakes and the performance of the country's early warning system.
That early warning system itself faces problems in some high-risk areas, the committee was told. Minute Mirror reported that the network has gaps where communities are most exposed, though it did not specify which districts were affected.
Glacial lake outburst floods occur when water held back by a glacier or moraine is released suddenly, often after heavy rain, an avalanche or rapid ice melt. In mountain valleys, such floods can destroy roads, bridges, farmland and homes with little advance notice. For residents of Skardu and other valley towns, outburst floods can send a wall of water, mud and debris down narrow gorges, cutting off the Karakoram Highway and damaging irrigation channels and power lines.
Greenpost reported that the Senate committee raised alarm over glacier melt and GLOF risks in Gilgit-Baltistan. Its initial report did not include the figures carried by Minute Mirror. The risk is concentrated in the northern districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where most of the dangerous lakes sit. Officials did not say when the next assessment of the lakes would be completed.
The Senate committee hearing was held in Islamabad, according to the reports. Neither outlet published the committee's full recommendations or a detailed list of the 33 lakes. The briefing came as mountain communities in Gilgit-Baltistan remain exposed to melt-season hazards.
Amir Muqam greets Gilgit-Baltistan on 79th Independence Day, pledges tourism focus
The federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan marked the region's 79th Independence Day with a message that also promised continued attention to development and tourism.
Gilgit-Baltistan marks 80th Independence Day with Gilgit ceremony
Radio Pakistan says the main event will be held at the Army Helipad in Gilgit, with tributes to those it calls heroes of the 1947 liberation struggle.
Skardu family of four killed; police suspect honour killing
Police say Muhammad Aslam, his wife Hania and their children Mahdi, 4, and Zahra, 2, were killed with a sharp-edged weapon; the FIR names Hania's father, brothers and uncle.
Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu costs rise by Rs1.9 trillion, NA told
The Ministry of Water Resources blames exchange-rate changes and says a revised PC-I has been submitted, while cement, diesel and steel prices have jumped.