Glacial flood cuts off Karakoram Highway as evacuations begin in Punjab amid monsoon threat

GILGIT / LAHORE (Dunya News) – Hundreds of tourists and locals were left stranded in Gilgit-Baltistan on Wednesday after a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) wiped out portions of the Karakoram Highway (KKH). At the same time, authorities in Punjab issued evacuation orders for communities along the Sutlej River, warning of severe monsoon rains and rising floodwaters.

The disaster unfolded in Gulmit, Gojal (Hunza), where intense glacier melt triggered a massive flood through the Juchar nullah on Tuesday evening. The surge destroyed a women-run restaurant, a government tourist facilitation centre, farmland, orchards, and key infrastructure, including power and internet lines, according to emergency responders.

A bridge and large sections of the KKH were washed away, cutting off all routes to and from China via the Khunjerab Pass. Local residents said they had never witnessed such powerful flooding in the area. The destruction of fibre optic lines also resulted in the complete loss of mobile and internet connectivity.

Additionally, floodwaters damaged a power transmission line near Sost, leaving several communities in the dark. Efforts to reopen the highway have been stalled by continuous mudflows and rising water, making even pedestrian movement dangerous.

In nearby Hassanabad, Hunza, flooding linked to the Shishper Glacier continued to erode land, destroying two more homes and threatening others. Electricity was also cut off to Roshanabad Mohallah after a pole collapsed. With KKH partially destroyed, traffic is now being rerouted through Sas Valley in Nagar.

Flash floods also hit Shigar district, damaging homes in Dogoro village of Basha. Meanwhile, a glacial flood in the Horchas nullah damaged crops and blocked access to the route leading to K2.

The regional government reported that restoration efforts are underway, though officials warned that the increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters is reshaping the geography of Gilgit-Baltistan. Rising river levels, landslides, and erosion are complicating rescue and repair operations. Authorities have pledged to speed up relief efforts across affected districts including Shigar, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, and Diamer.

Punjab on Flood Alert

In Punjab’s Kasur district, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed immediate evacuation of people living along the Sutlej River amid forecasts of severe flooding.

Officials warned that river levels are expected to rise further next week, coinciding with what is anticipated to be the seventh—and most intense—monsoon spell of the season, which has already led to 164 deaths across the province.

During an emergency visit to Kasur, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged citizens to move to safer areas without delay. He chaired a high-level meeting with local officials to prepare for potential flooding.

Preparations are in full swing, including the clearing of storm drains and reinforcement of embankments. The upcoming weather forecast predicts heavy rainfall across upper Punjab between August 13–17, followed by further downpours in other regions from August 18–21.

Major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot are at risk of urban flooding. Additionally, the PDMA has issued warnings for possible landslides in Murree and Galliyat.

So far, the ongoing monsoon season has resulted in over 164 deaths, 582 injuries, the destruction of 216 homes, and the loss of 121 livestock.

Monitoring data indicates low-level flooding along the Indus River at Kalabagh, Tarbela, and Chashma, with Tarbela Dam nearly full at 96% capacity.

Kasur’s Deputy Commissioner stated that necessary preparations have been made to address any flooding, including the deployment of staff and equipment at sensitive locations and the ongoing de-silting of drainage systems.