Cloudburst causes heavy flooding in Diamer’s Thore Valley, displaces dozens of households

Saturday’s cloudburst-induced flash flood wreaked havoc in Thore Valley of Diamer district, as rising temperatures continued to melt glaciers, raising water levels in rivers and streams of Gilgit-Baltistan and increasing the chances of more floods.

Flash floods from heavy rain over nearby mountains raced into Thore Valley, devastating homes, orchards, hundreds of acres of agriculture and public and private infrastructure.

Floodwaters ripped out link roads and communication bridges, isolating many communities and leaving dozens of families homeless. The storm waters also damaged electricity and water supplies and swept away parked vehicles and standing crops.

The Wapda Colony housing employees of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project and adjacent communities were also devastated by the flooding, resulting in substantial property destruction.

Assistant Director General GBDMA Imtiaz Ahmed remarked that the district administration immediately initiated relief activities. He said tents, food supplies and other essentials were being distributed among the affected households, while damage assessments were also being conducted. The main route across the valley has also been reopened and work is continuing to restore access to the communities affected.

Residents have requested for urgent humanitarian help, such as food, temporary shelter, medical treatment and other necessary supplies for people who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Melting Glaciers Increase Flood Risk

Meanwhile, sustained hot conditions are accelerating glacier melting in Gilgit-Baltistan, raising water levels in rivers and streams considerably.

The Deosai route was shut because of Sadpara Nallah flooding, stranding several tourist vehicles, while the road connecting Badswat area in Ghizer district was cut due to water erosion. Crops were also damaged and roads, bridges and other infrastructure threatened by rising water levels in Hopper Nallah.