NDMA Issues Travel Warning for Ghizer Amid Severe Floods
Severe floods hit Ghizer Valley, displacing families and destroying homes. NDMA issues travel warning as rescue efforts face tough challenges
Ghizer Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan is facing a serious disaster as heavy rains and sudden floods have caused massive destruction. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a travel warning, advising people to avoid unnecessary movement in the region until the situation improves.
Flood Situation in Ghizer
On Friday morning, a massive flood struck Thalidas in Ghizer, where the river was blocked by debris. More than 40 people were trapped, and nearby villages came under threat as the water levels continued to rise. Houses, farmland, and livestock have been swept away, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of help.
Previous Floods in Ghizer
This is not the first time Ghizer has faced such devastation. In recent years, floods in Ishkoman, Khalti, and Yasin valleys have destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, cutting off entire communities for weeks. These repeated disasters show how fragile the valley is to changing weather and glacial melting.
Homes Destroyed in Floods / Families Displaced After Floods
Families have only lost their houses and suffered property damage. Many people are being forced to leave their homes as water continues to damage villages. Major roads in the valley are blocked by landslides, making rescue work extremely difficult.
NDMA’s Warning and Response
NDMA has urged:
- Tourists are advised to postpone travel to Ghizer Valley until conditions improve.
- Authorities are to strengthen rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
- Local communities are to remain on high alert and shift to safer places when necessary.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, but bad weather and damaged routes are slowing progress. Emergency teams are considering helicopter evacuations for people trapped in remote areas.
Climate Change and Local Risks
Experts say Ghizer Valley is on the frontline of climate change impacts. Melting glaciers, unexpected rainfall, and fragile mountain slopes are causing repeated floods and landslides. Villages close to rivers and lakes remain at constant risk.
A Call for Immediate Action
The Ghizer disaster is another reminder that urgent action is needed. Stronger early warning systems, safer infrastructure, and community-level preparedness are essential to protect lives in the valley.
Conclusion
The floods in Ghizer Valley are a painful reminder of how fragile mountain communities are in the face of climate change. With lives lost, families displaced, and infrastructure destroyed, urgent steps are needed to improve preparedness and strengthen local resilience. Unless effective measures are taken, such disasters will continue to threaten the safety and future of the people of Ghizer.
