A deadly Gilgit-Baltistan mudslide claimed the lives of seven volunteers early Monday as they worked to repair a drainage channel damaged by recent flash floods. The tragedy struck the town of Danyor at dawn, leaving three others injured and sparking grief across the mountainous region. Officials say the victims were part of a local team working tirelessly to restore vital infrastructure after devastating floodwaters.
Tragedy Strikes During Repair Efforts
The incident occurred as the volunteers repaired a drainage channel severely damaged by floodwater from the swollen Hunza River. Rescuers quickly arrived on the scene, recovering the bodies and moving the injured to a nearby hospital, confirmed Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the regional government.
Flood Damage Disrupts Trade Routes
This fatal mudslide came just one day after a massive flash flood, triggered by a glacial lake outburst, damaged a key section of the Karakoram Highway. The highway serves as a crucial trade and travel route between Pakistan and China. Heavy machinery and repair crews were immediately deployed to begin restoration work.
Homes Damaged and Families Displaced
Local police chief Hassan Ali reported that additional landslides near the damaged highway destroyed homes in Danyor and surrounding areas. First responders evacuated residents to safer locations while relief teams distributed essential food supplies to displaced families. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the destruction caused by the floods and landslides.
Crops Destroyed and Livelihoods Hit
The flash flood on Sunday, described by officials as massive, inundated farmlands along the Hunza River, destroying crops and severely impacting local livelihoods. “The force of the water was overwhelming,” Ali noted, emphasizing that the damage will take months to repair.
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Mourning the Loss of Local Heroes
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan called the deceased volunteers “heroes who sacrificed their lives for the community.” Their commitment to restoring essential services in such hazardous conditions has drawn tributes from across the country.
A Region Prone to Climate Disasters
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to some of the world’s largest glaciers, which supply around 75 percent of Pakistan’s stored freshwater. However, the region is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Only last month, heavy landslides and floods killed 18 tourists when their vehicles were swept away by floodwaters.
The Threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Experts warn that glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) occur when meltwater trapped by ice or debris suddenly breaks free. Rising temperatures linked to climate change are accelerating the melting of glaciers, increasing both the size and number of these dangerous lakes.
In this case, scientists believe that the sudden release of water from a glacial lake upstream caused Sunday’s flash flood, which in turn destabilized the ground and triggered Monday’s fatal mudslide.
Climate Change Intensifies Rainfall
A recent study by World Weather Attribution, a network of international scientists, revealed that rainfall between June 24 and July 23 this year was 10 to 15 percent heavier due to global warming. This increased precipitation, combined with accelerated glacial melting, creates perfect conditions for floods, landslides, and other disasters in Pakistan’s northern mountains.
Disproportionate Impact on Pakistan
Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains one of the countries most affected by extreme weather events. The country’s geography, reliance on glacier-fed rivers, and limited infrastructure make it highly susceptible to climate shocks.
The 2022 monsoon season remains a grim reminder. That year, record-breaking rains killed more than 1,700 people and caused an estimated $40 billion in damages, submerging vast areas of farmland and displacing millions.
Rising Death Toll from Current Monsoon
This year’s rains and floods, which began on June 26, have already claimed over 300 lives across Pakistan. With the monsoon season still ongoing, authorities fear the toll could rise further. Emergency teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, where steep terrain makes communities particularly exposed to landslides and mudslides.
A Call for Preparedness
Local officials are urging residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant. Communities are being advised to avoid flood-damaged zones, as unstable slopes can give way without warning. Relief organizations are also calling for better early-warning systems and stronger infrastructure to protect those living in flood-prone regions.
The tragedy in Danyor underscores the growing risks posed by climate change in Pakistan’s northern regions. For the families of the seven volunteers, the loss is deeply personal. For the country, it is yet another urgent reminder of the need for stronger climate resilience measures before more lives are lost to such disasters.
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