A local shepherd in Gilgit Baltistan’s (GB) Ghizer District has been honored for saving hundreds of life after he raised the alarm when a glacial outburst (glof) threatened to destroy his village.
The natural phenomenon triggered enormous floods and widespread destruction and created an artificial lake, officials said Friday.
The GB government spokesman, Faizullah Firaq, confirmed that the glacier burst at Tali Das in the Gupis area of Ghizer triggered floods and destruction.
Shepherd Wasiat Khan was out in the mountains when he noticed that something was wrong. From where he stood, he could see a glacier who broke apart and knew that the village below was in serious danger.
What he did next saved hundreds of life.
He pulled out his phone and started calling his people in Tali Das and warned them to leave their home before it was too late.
In response to the life -saving warning, the elderly and children, men, women, the elderly and children, rushed out in the dark and carried what they could when they came to higher soil.
At the end of the night, nearly 100 houses stood deserted, and about 200 lives were safe and healthy.
When the massive flood finally came down, the houses were damaged, many without repair.
Recognized his quick thinking announced the GB police later a reward of RS10,000 for Khan. He also received an appreciation certificate for his presence of mind and courage.
Spokesman Firaq later confirmed that several villages were flooded by the flood, which led to major financial losses and added that no life was lost, but warned that the blocked river posed additional risks of injury.
For the people of Tali Das the night could have ended up in tragedy. Instead of because of a man’s vigilance, a whole community was saved.
Officials said that due to glof, several villages were immersed, causing enormous structural and material losses. However, no loss of human life has not been reported yet.
According to the district administration, landslide has completely blocked Gilgit – Shandur Road. Landslides took place from two directions in the Tali Das Stream and cut off the village of Raushan.
Ghizer’s extra Deputy Commissioner reported that a landslide in Raushan, Tali Das, had completely blocked the flow of the Ghizer River since 3 AM, where several communities were affected by the flooding water.
However, timely warnings to the residents ensured that no life was lost.
In a statement, rescue officer Raja Ajmal said that as many as 200 affected people had been moved to Sumale and Yangal areas.
He said the rescue operation was underway to draw six people from Rawshan Drain.
The rescuer said the water has begun to flow after six six hours long blockages of the Ghizer River, reducing the flood risk of low-lying areas.
GB Home Minister Shams Lone said that although the flood had caused destruction in Ghizer once again, no loss of life had been reported so far. He added that reports had come that some people were stranded as helicopters had been requested.
A strength commander Northern Area Commander has already sent a helicopter on emergencies for rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the government spokesman said over 50 people have been saved so far. He said the glacier outbreak has blocked the river flow in the region, causing water to back up and form a large lake, which puts nearby settlements in danger of immersion.
