Tragic Pakistan Mudslide Kills 7 Volunteer Heroes in Flood-Hit North
A tragic Pakistan mudslide killed 7 volunteer heroes in Gilgit-Baltistan after a glacial lake outburst triggered deadly floods, highlighting rising climate risks.
In the early hours of Monday, tragedy struck the scenic town of Danyor in Gilgit-Baltistan when a massive mudslide engulfed a team of local volunteers repairing a flood-damaged drainage channel. According to Faizullah Faraq, a spokesperson for the regional government, seven volunteers died instantly, while three others sustained serious injuries.
Rescue teams, working in dangerous terrain, recovered the bodies and moved the injured to a nearby hospital. Chief Minister Gulbar Khan honored the fallen as “heroes who sacrificed their lives for the community,” a sentiment echoed by grieving residents.
Glacial Lake Outburst – A Growing Threat
Authorities confirmed that the mudslide was triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) on Sunday, a phenomenon increasingly linked to rising global temperatures. The sudden release of water swelled the Hunza River, unleashing powerful flash floods that tore through infrastructure, farmlands, and mountain slopes.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to GLOF events due to its vast glacier coverage in the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges.
Highway Damage Disrupts Pakistan-China Trade
The disaster also damaged the Karakoram Highway, a vital artery for Pakistan-China trade. Traffic and goods movement have been suspended as engineers work with heavy machinery to clear debris and restore the route.
The disruption is a major blow to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) supply chain, highlighting how climate disasters can affect not only local communities but also international trade.
Local Response and Evacuations
Police Chief Hassan Ali reported that several homes were destroyed in Danyor and nearby villages. Families were evacuated to emergency shelters, while food supplies and essentials are being distributed to the displaced.
First responders, including volunteers from civil defense and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, continue to work under the constant threat of further landslides.
Climate Change Intensifying Glacier Melt
Scientific research shows that rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt in Pakistan’s northern mountains, creating more—and larger—glacial lakes. When these lakes breach, the results can be catastrophic.
A recent World Weather Attribution study found that rainfall from June 24 to July 23 this year was 10–15% heavier due to global warming. These rainfall surges, combined with glacier melt, significantly raise the risk of floods and mudslides.
A Region in Perpetual Risk
Gilgit-Baltistan’s glaciers supply about 75% of Pakistan’s stored freshwater, making them critical to the nation’s water security. Yet, the region faces frequent natural disasters.
Last month, 18 tourists were killed when flash floods swept away vehicles following heavy rains. Such events underscore the need for early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure in the north.
Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Extreme Weather
Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but ranks among the top nations affected by climate-induced disasters.
In 2022, the country endured its deadliest monsoon season on record, killing over 1,700 people and causing $40 billion in damages, according to World Bank reports.
Since June 26 this year, over 300 people have died from rains and floods nationwide, further emphasizing the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies.
Global Climate Action – The Need for Urgency
Pakistan’s northern tragedy is another wake-up call for global climate action. Rich nations, responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions, have pledged funds for loss and damage under the Paris Agreement, but disbursements remain slow.
Experts argue that Pakistan needs more than financial aid—it requires technology transfer, infrastructure upgrades, and regional cooperation to monitor and mitigate climate risks.
