Deadly GB Water-Borne Diseases Surge: 3,321 Cases Reported Amid Severe Flood Crisis

The recent floods in Gilgit-Baltistan have unleashed a public health disaster, with GB water-borne diseases surging to dangerous levels. In the wake of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) and damaged infrastructure, contaminated water supplies have triggered outbreaks of cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, and pneumonia, affecting thousands of residents.

Flood-Induced Water Crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan

On July 21, devastating floods hit Danyor city and surrounding areas, cutting off access to clean drinking water. Natural springs dried up or were contaminated, forcing residents to rely on unfiltered tanker water.

This unfiltered supply became a breeding ground for GB water-borne diseases, spreading quickly across Diamer, Skardu, Shigar, Astore, and Gilgit districts.

Shocking Health Statistics

According to official health data:

• 3,321 cases of acute diarrhoea have been reported.

• Skardu and Diamer are the hardest-hit districts.

• Dozens of suspected cholera and typhoid cases are under investigation.

• Severe shortages of medicines like Flagyl are crippling treatment efforts.

Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, a local clinic operator, confirmed:
“Water-borne diseases now account for the majority of our patient load.”

World Health Organization guidelines highlight that such outbreaks can escalate quickly without rapid interventions.

Impact on Children and Vulnerable Groups

Children under five are the most affected demographic. Many are suffering from severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and pneumonia, with some requiring urgent hospitalisation.

Older adults and those with chronic illnesses are also at heightened risk, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

Overburdened Healthcare System

Hospitals in Gilgit-Baltistan are struggling to keep up. Private clinics have extended hours late into the night, yet queues remain long.

The combination of GB water-borne diseases and a lack of medical resources has created a dangerous bottleneck in the healthcare system.

Community and Volunteer Response

Local volunteers have stepped in to assist stranded families, building temporary footbridges and distributing water bottles where possible.

However, the demand far exceeds the supply, and relief workers say more government-backed aid is urgently required.

Long-Term Climate Change Challenges

The floods and subsequent outbreak are part of a broader climate change crisis. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to thousands of glaciers, making it highly vulnerable to glacial melt events.

Increased frequency of GLOFs and erratic monsoon rains mean that GB water-borne diseases may become a recurring threat without long-term water infrastructure upgrades.

For more on Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, see our internal report: Pakistan’s Climate Change Risk Index 2025.

Government and NGO Interventions

Gilgit-Baltistan’s health authorities, along with NGOs like the Aga Khan Health Service, are working to:

• Restore clean water supplies.

• Distribute chlorine tablets for water purification.

• Provide oral rehydration salts (ORS) to diarrhoea patients.

• Deploy mobile health units to remote areas.

Despite these efforts, funding gaps and logistical challenges are slowing progress.

The Urgent Need for Sustainable Solutions

Experts warn that reactive measures won’t be enough. To prevent future outbreaks of GB water-borne diseases, authorities must:

1. Upgrade water filtration systems across GB.

2. Build climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand floods.

3. Educate communities on safe water storage and hygiene.

4. Stockpile essential medicines before disaster season.

The UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program offers proven models that could be adapted for GB’s unique needs.

Conclusion

The GB water-borne diseases outbreak is more than just a temporary health scare — it’s a warning sign of how climate change, poor infrastructure, and lack of preparedness can combine into a deadly crisis.

If urgent steps aren’t taken now, future floods could lead to even deadlier epidemics, leaving the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan vulnerable year after year.

Internal Link: Pakistan Flood Emergency Updates

External Link: WHO Waterborne Disease Factsheet