9 Killed By Mudslide While Fixing Water Channel As Heavy Rains, Flash Floods Cripple PoK

Last Updated:August 11, 2025, 19:32 IST

A glacial lake outburst from the Shishper Glacier triggered flash floods in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with officials saying it was the most severe flooding since 2018.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan. (PTI/Representative Image)

At least nine volunteers were killed and three others injured in a mudslide while attempting to fix a water channel in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) Gilgit-Baltistan, which has been witnessing severe monsoon rains in the past few days, according to officials.

Volunteers had been working through the night in the northern city of Danyor to fix a man-made water channel when part of the group was buried under a mudslide, the region’s disaster agency said. A mass of earth collapsed on the workers, trapping several underneath, police said.

An emergency was declared in local hospitals as rescue operations were launched with the help of residents. Hospital authorities confirmed nine deaths and warned that more people could be trapped.

More than 300 people have been killed in Pakistan since the monsoon season began on June 26, according to the Disaster Management Authority. The annual rains are vital for agriculture and food security, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers, but also bring destruction in the country.

Flash Floods Wreak Havoc

In a separate incident, a glacial lake outburst from the Shishper Glacier last week triggered flash floods that swept away a section of the Karakoram Highway linking Pakistan with China. The floods destroyed several walls, damaged farmland and put over 50 houses at risk, according to local reports.

Officials said it was the most severe flooding in the Hassanabad Nullah since 2018, causing damage to irrigation and drinking water channels serving Aliabad and nearby villages, and severing the main road connection for a large portion of Hunza’s population.

Other parts of the region were also impacted, as the only access road and embankments in Shimshal Valley. Thousands of people were left without any drinking water in several areas as irrigation and water supply systems were affected.

Experts have warned that frequent heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures this year have accelerated the melting of glaciers, increasing the frequency of such incidents in the region.

(with inputs from agencies)

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News world 9 Killed By Mudslide While Fixing Water Channel As Heavy Rains, Flash Floods Cripple PoK

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