Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered the authorities concerned to take emergency steps to deal with the situation created after the flooding in the lake formed above Shisper Glacier, Hunza.
A massive glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in Hunza district's Hassanabad village Saturday, sweeping away the Hassanabad bridge on the Karakoram Highway.
The flood disrupted the drinking and agricultural water system and affected two powerhouses together with the collapse of the Hassanabad bridge. As a result, one part of Shahrah-e-Karakoram has also been affected.
PM Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure the safe transfer of people from the flood-affected areas. He also told the federal agencies to fully assist the Gilgil Baltistan government with the supply and provision of food, medicines, and other necessities to the affectees.
The prime minister also sought a report regarding the damages as well as a list of affectees of glacial flooding and ordered the construction of a temporary bridge for people to commute after the destruction of the Hassanabad bridge on the Karakoram Highway.
Moreover, PM Shehbaz also instructed the authorities to prepare an estimate of the damages suffered by the irrigation and drinking water system and powerhouses and directed them to restore the powerhouses of 700 and 250 megawatts on a war footing basis.
He announced that the government will bear the expenses of restoring and repairing the powerhouses
PM Shehbaz expressed sympathy to the affected families over their losses and ordered the provision of immediate assistance.
