Avalanche! Glacier Burst in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Washes Away Rawshan Village in Gilgit-Baltistan

In the early hours of August 22, 2025, a devastating natural disaster struck the remote Ghizer district in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, unleashing a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) that combined with landslides to wreak havoc on local communities. What began as a glacier burst high in the mountains quickly escalated into a catastrophic event, washing away significant portions of Rawshan village and affecting neighboring areas like Tildas.

This incident, marked by the formation of a massive artificial lake and the blockage of the Ghizer River, highlights the growing vulnerability of mountainous regions to climate-induced disasters. No lives were lost, thanks to timely warnings and swift rescue operations, but the destruction has left hundreds of families homeless and infrastructure in ruins. As rescue efforts continue and authorities warn of potential further risks due to unstable conditions and impending rainfall, this event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better disaster preparedness in glaciated areas.

The glacier burst originated from a glacial lake situated at approximately 4,570 meters above sea level in the Raoshan Gupis area. It triggered a sudden release of water, mud, and debris that cascaded down the slopes, blocking the Ghizer River for several hours and creating an artificial lake stretching over seven kilometers.

This natural dam, formed by the accumulated debris, submerged farmlands, roads, and homes, leading to extensive financial losses estimated in the billions of rupees when combined with previous floods in the region. Locals described the scene as apocalyptic, with water levels rising rapidly and sweeping away everything in their path. The disaster is part of a series of GLOFs this season, with at least four similar incidents reported in Gilgit-Baltistan and neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, exacerbating the ongoing challenges faced by residents in these high-altitude valleys.

Gilgit-Baltistan, home to over 13,000 glaciers—the largest concentration outside the polar regions—has long been prone to such events. However, the frequency and intensity appear to be increasing, attributed by experts to rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had issued high alerts for glaciated regions, forecasting fresh rainfall starting August 23, which could further destabilize the area.

As the water began flowing through a natural spillway by late afternoon on August 22, the immediate threat of downstream flooding diminished, but upstream homes remained submerged, and the natural dam at Rawshan was deemed unstable. This blog delves into the details of the event, the response, and its broader implications, drawing on official reports and eyewitness accounts to provide a comprehensive overview.

The Catastrophic Event: Details of the Glacier Burst and Its Immediate Impact

The glacier burst in Ghizer district unfolded with terrifying speed in the pre-dawn hours of August 22, 2025. Originating from a high-altitude glacial lake in the Raoshan Gupis valley, the outburst flood sent a torrent of water, ice, rocks, and sediment rushing downstream. The force of the water triggered landslides from multiple directions, particularly in the Tali Das stream, which completely blocked the Ghizer River around 3 a.m. This blockage led to the rapid formation of an artificial lake, submerging large swathes of land and isolating communities like Rawshan village.

Rawshan village, located at about 2,160 meters elevation, bore the brunt of the disaster. Locals reported that nearly 80 percent of the village was washed away, with homes, shops, and agricultural fields vanishing under the floodwaters. The flood impacted a total of 330 houses across several villages, including Tildas, Miduri, Mulaabad, Hawks Thangi, Rawshan, and Goth.

Dozens of shops were also destroyed, leaving behind a landscape of devastation. Eyewitness videos captured the sheer power of the flood, showing muddy waters surging through narrow valleys, uprooting trees, and eroding riverbanks. One particularly striking footage depicted the river’s blockage, creating a Blatten-like damming effect that trapped water upstream and threatened to burst at any moment.

Today, Glacier Burst in Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. August 22, 2025.

A glacier burst in Talidas triggered a landslide that blocked the Ghizer River, raising flooding risks for nearby areas. pic.twitter.com/QE3Q3XFULR

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) August 22, 2025

The event was classified as a GLOF, a phenomenon where meltwater accumulates in glacial lakes until the natural barriers give way, often exacerbated by heavy rainfall or seismic activity. In this case, the outburst was sudden, catching residents off guard but allowing enough time for evacuation due to prior alerts from local authorities. The Ghizer River remained blocked for approximately eight hours, heightening fears of downstream inundation that could affect thousands more homes. Fortunately, a natural spillway formed, allowing water to flow out gradually and reducing the lake’s level, thereby averting a larger catastrophe.

Read : Body of Man Missing Since 1997 Found Perfectly Preserved Near the Edge of the Melting Lady Meadows Glacier

Infrastructure damage was extensive. The Gilgit-Shandur Road, a vital lifeline connecting remote valleys, was completely severed by landslides, isolating Rawshan and surrounding areas. Farmlands were submerged, destroying crops and threatening food security for the affected families. The economic toll is compounded by the region’s ongoing recovery from flash floods since July, which have already caused damages estimated at Rs30 billion across Gilgit-Baltistan.

No human casualties were reported, a testament to the effectiveness of early warnings issued by the district administration and rescue teams. However, the psychological impact on survivors is profound, with many describing the roar of the approaching flood as a harbinger of doom. This GLOF is the latest in a string of similar events this year, underscoring the precarious existence in a region where glaciers are receding at an alarming rate due to climate change.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

In the wake of the glacier burst, a coordinated rescue and relief operation was launched swiftly to mitigate the disaster’s effects. Rescue 1122 teams, along with local authorities and the Pakistan Army, mobilized immediately upon receiving reports of the outburst. Over 200 people were rescued from flood-affected areas and relocated to safer locations such as Ghizer’s Yangal and Samal. The operation focused on evacuating stranded residents from upstream villages, where homes remained submerged even after the spillway opened.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan directed the home secretary and the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) to utilize all available resources for rescue efforts, including seeking assistance from the Pakistan Army. Army personnel moved into the Gopis tehsil area to conduct rescue and relief activities, providing essential support in the rugged terrain. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, Eman Shah, confirmed that initial relief activities were underway, with steps taken to shift people from downstream areas to prevent further risks from the artificial lake.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Gupis Yasin highlighted the urgent need for tents, food supplies, and other relief items for the displaced families. Senior Ghizer official Sher Afzal noted that while some homes upstream were still flooded, the opening of the spillway averted the flooding of thousands of additional houses. Rescue incharge Raja Ajmal reported that around 50 people had been rescued initially, with operations continuing to extract six individuals from the Rawshan drain. GB Home Minister Shams Lone emphasized that despite the devastation, no lives were lost, crediting timely interventions.

The response also involved community efforts, with locals using drones and social media to document the damage and coordinate aid. Drone footage from similar past events, like the Shishper Glacier flood, illustrated the scale of destruction, aiding in assessment. The PMD’s high alert status facilitated proactive measures, including advisories for residents near the river to move to higher ground. As water levels began to recede through the natural spillway, the focus shifted to providing immediate aid and assessing long-term needs. However, with forecasts of rain from August 23 to 27, potentially causing more landslides, authorities urged continued vigilance.

Long-Term Implications and the Role of Climate Change

The glacier burst in Ghizer district is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of environmental degradation in Gilgit-Baltistan, driven by climate change. With over 10,000 glaciers reportedly receding due to rising temperatures, the region faces an escalating risk of GLOFs and flash floods. This event, following relentless floods since July that have killed at least 39 people and caused Rs30 billion in damages, underscores the need for a climate emergency declaration in the area.

Long-term implications include severe economic setbacks for the local population, primarily reliant on agriculture and tourism. The destruction of farmlands and roads disrupts livelihoods, potentially leading to food shortages and migration. Infrastructure rebuilding will require significant investment, straining the limited resources of the Gilgit-Baltistan government. Moreover, the unstable natural dam at Rawshan poses ongoing threats, as any breach could trigger secondary floods.

Experts link these disasters to global warming, which accelerates glacial melt and forms more unstable lakes. Calls for enhanced monitoring, early warning systems, and sustainable development are growing louder. Indigenous knowledge, often overlooked, could inform better land management, but colonial legacies have eroded such practices. International cooperation is essential, given the transboundary nature of Himalayan glaciers.

In conclusion, while the immediate crisis in Rawshan has been managed without fatalities, the event signals a dire future unless proactive measures are taken. Strengthening disaster resilience, investing in climate adaptation, and prioritizing community involvement will be key to safeguarding this vulnerable region from further calamities.