ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to take emergency measures after the destruction caused by a glacial lake outburst flood from the Shisper glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The prime minister instructed to save lives and properties of the people and their shifting to safer places. He ordered to provide food, medicines, and the required emergency equipment to the affected areas.
He directed federal government institutions to extend every possible assistance and cooperation to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. He also sought report about the losses and the affected people.
PM Shehbaz Sharif advised to prepare an alternative road due to destruction of the Hassanabad bridge on the Karakoram Highway. He also advised to prepare an estimate regarding destruction of irrigation and drinking water system and two affected power houses.
He ordered restoration of power houses of 700 and 250 megawatts on emergency basis. He said the federal government will bear the expenditure to be incurred on the restoration and maintenance of these power houses.
He sought report on the damage inflicted on Karakoram Highway. He assured that the government will take all possible measures to provide emergency assistance to the affected people and their restoration. He also expressed sympathy and sorrow with the affected people over the losses.
READ MORE: Bridge collapses in Hunza after glacial floods
A massive Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) occurred in Hunza district’s Hassanabad village on Saturday after the lake formed over the Shisper Glacier started discharging 5,000 cusecs of water owing to premature melting.
Hunza Deputy Commissioner Usman Ali said the flow has started reducing and a temporary bridge will be built after the water completely drains out of the lake.
Regarding the damage caused by the flooding, he said said drinking and agricultural water system has been destroyed. He further stated that 22 houses have been vacated and small vehicles are transported.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira spoke to the Gilgit-Baltistan chief secretary and was briefed on the Hassanabad bridge collapse in Hunza.
Kaira issued directives to make all neccessary arrangements. He said that steps should be taken on priority basis to restore land connectivity and routine life in the surrounding areas.
