Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued special directives regarding the flood situation in the Ghizer area of Gilgit-Baltist (GB), caused by a glacier flood, such as hundreds of houses that damaged forced families to flee, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.
Flash floods hit Roshan Valley in the Ghizer District in GB early Friday after a glacier jumped, damaged hundreds of houses and forced hundreds of families to flee, officials said.
In an official declaration, the Prime Minister instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the District Administration to continue rescue operations with urgency. He expressed his appreciation of the rescue teams and local volunteers and recognized their quick efforts to evacuate residents in safer places.
Read more: Over 100 homes damaged in glacier outbreaks in GB’s Ghizer District
“I praise the inauguration and the rapid reaction of all rescue teams and local volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect lives in the light of this disaster,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
With two more spell with rain forecast in the coming days, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to intensify relief activities. “We need to ensure that all affected people are moved to safe places to avoid further damage,” he added.
He further instructed all relevant authorities nationwide to remain fully prepared for relief operations, especially in low -lying areas prone to flooding as the expected predicts further heavy rain.
Highlighted the importance of long -term preventive measures, Premier announced the launch of a national campaign aimed at preventing unauthorized construction near rivers, streams and natural streams. “It is imperative to protect our society by respecting natural waterways and limiting the construction in vulnerable areas,” he said.
He approached the humanitarian aspect of the crisis and emphasized that it is a national duty to support those affected by the recent rain and floods. “When immediate rescue operations are completed, we will focus on the rehabilitation of displaced families,” he said.
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PM Shehbaz also emphasized the need for timely delivery of medical help and relief to victims. “To ensure that medical assistance and essential supplies reach all the distressed without delay, a highest priority remains,” he noted.
In addition, the Prime Minister NDMA instructed to maintain close coordination with provincial disaster control authorities regarding flooding conditions in areas including Guddu, Sukkur, Ganda Singh Wala and other regions along Rivers and Sutlej.
In a gesture of recognition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Wasiyat Khan, a resident of Ghizer, praised for his brave warning acts at the forefront of the impending floods, which helped save lives. “His courage by warning his society exemplifies the spirit of resilience and solidarity we need in these challenging times,” noted the prime minister.
Ghizer, about 200 km from GB, was among the worst affected valleys in the recent floods, with at least 10 deaths reported.
A 7 km (4-mile) lake created by a mountain duty threatens to blow up and loosen potentially “catastrophic” floods downstream, warned officials on Saturday.
Read more: Shepherds Alarm saves the entire village of GB
The mud flow fell into the Main Ghizer River channel and blocked it completely on Friday and created the lake in GB province, National Disaster Management Authority said.
The blocking created a “women -like structure” that pose a significant threat of blasting, it said in a situation report from its provincial office.
The new lake “can cause a catastrophic flood,” said Zakir Hussain, Director General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
Four Downstream districts – Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore and Diamer – are facing a serious threat, he told Reuters.
