Pakistan – Deadly Landslides and Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan

At least 5 people have been killed and several others injured after floods and landslides in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan over the last few days.

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported yesterday that flash floods and landslides affected parts of Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan.

Five people are reported to have died in a landslide on 03 August in Sadpara, Skardu. Floodwaters also reportedly washed away a bridge and buildings.

NDMA say that a total of 9 landslides have occurred in the area. Six landslides have been cleared through employment of rescuers and heavy earth moving machinery while work on remaining three landslides is still ongoing.

Local media say that local people have reported at least 3 people were killed in floods in Diamer district. Flooding also damaged many roads, bridges and farm land.

Warnings

On 02 August, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued warnings for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan and the district of Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after heavy rain and temperatures up to 5 degrees higher than normal, causing ice to melt.

NDMA said that there is also a possibility of river flooding after rain in upper catchments of all the major rivers, especially the Ravi and Chenab.

116 Deaths Monsoon 2017

The recent deaths in Sadpara mean that 116 people have died as a result of flooding or landslides in Pakistan since the start of this year’s monsoon. During that period a total of 399 houses have been completely destroyed by floods or landslides.

Flood Summary

Last updated: August 7, 2017
Event
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, August 2017
Date
August 3 to August 7, 2017
Type
Flash flood, Landslide
Cause
Unknown
At least 9 landslides occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan between 03 and 06 August 2017. Some flash flooding was also reported. Local media say the floods and landslides were a result of heavy rain. PMD records show no significant rainfall for the period. A GLOF alert was issued on 02 August as a result of higher temperatures and forecast rainfall.

Locations

A - Skardu
B - Diamer

Magnitude

Rainfall level
41 mm in 24 hours
Shinkiari - August 5 to August 6, 2017
Other than Shinkiari, PMD records show no significant rainfall totals for the last few days.

Damages

Fatalities
5 people
Skardu - August 3 to August 3, 2017
local media reports say 3 deaths also occurred in Diamer district.