A glacier burst in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan has caused widespread devastation, washing away houses, crops, and blocking the Ghizer River.

The disaster struck late at night in Tali Das, a village in Gupis tehsil, where nearly 80% of residential houses were swept away.

Floodwaters also destroyed standing crops, while mud and rock slides blocked the river, creating a five-kilometre-long lake.

Authorities fear the lake may burst at any time, posing a severe threat to nearby low-lying areas. The district administration has begun evacuating populations along the riverbanks.

According to the provincial government spokesperson, several villages have been submerged, with residents suffering heavy financial losses, though no casualties have been reported.

More than 50 stranded people have been rescued so far.

Spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said the chief minister is personally monitoring the situation to prevent further damage. He added that rising waters have increased the risk of more villages going under. Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghizer confirmed that a landslide around 3.00am blocked the river’s flow, causing water to accumulate and increasing the risk of flooding and erosion in more settlements.

He noted that timely warnings to locals helped avoid loss of life.

The Pakistan Army has also launched a rescue operation in the affected areas. Army helicopters have been deployed to provide relief to stranded families in Tali Das Nala, while locals expressed gratitude for the military’s swift assistance.

Relief and rescue operations are continuing in the flood-hit region.