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Flash Floods Wreck Villages in PoGB, Leaving Thousands Stranded

Recent flash floods have wreaked havoc in the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) region, particularly in the areas surrounding Chunda, Kharbu, and Tandal. The floods have left entire villages destroyed and residents homeless, struggling to survive without basic amenities. The disaster, attributed to the growing impacts of climate change, has exacerbated the already vulnerable situation in these remote areas, according to a report by Skardu TV.

The devastation of local infrastructure, including the destruction of homes, fisheries, and farms, has left the population without a livelihood. As the floodwaters surged through the region, they not only swept away villages but also rendered vital roads impassable, cutting off access to aid and supplies from the rest of PoGB. The floods, occurring just four years after a similar catastrophe, have reignited concerns over the region’s preparedness for natural disasters.

Widespread Damage to Livelihoods and Infrastructure

The primary sources of income for the people of Chunda, Kharbu, and Tandal—fisheries, farms, and forests—have suffered immense damage in the wake of the floods. The fertile land, which the locals relied on for agriculture, has been submerged or washed away, leaving families with little hope for a stable harvest in the coming months. Similarly, fish farms, a vital source of food and income, have been decimated, further aggravating the region’s economic woes.

In addition to these livelihood sources, the only road connecting these areas to the rest of PoGB has been severely damaged. The destruction of this crucial route has cut off access to food, medical supplies, and other essential aid, leaving locals stranded in an increasingly desperate situation. Skardu TV reported that government assistance has been delayed due to the inaccessibility of the region, leading to widespread discontent among the affected population.

For many residents, this disaster has brought back painful memories of the floods that occurred just four years ago, which also devastated the region. Despite the previous incident, there were no significant improvements in flood preparedness or infrastructure resilience, leaving the community vulnerable to recurring natural disasters.

Local Residents Call for Government Action

Frustration is mounting among the local population as they grapple with the aftermath of the floods. Saiyid Baltistani, a resident of the region, expressed his anger and disappointment over the lack of preventive measures taken by the local administration. While he acknowledged that there was no loss of life, he emphasized the catastrophic economic impact that the floods have had on the community. With homes destroyed, farms wiped out, and roads impassable, residents face an uncertain future.

Baltistani also highlighted the growing dangers facing children in the region, particularly those attending school. Many of the remaining roads and bridges have become unsafe, creating hazardous conditions for students commuting to and from school. Moreover, broken power lines caused by the floods have plunged many areas into darkness, leading to frequent blackouts that further complicate recovery efforts.

As the region struggles to cope with these immediate challenges, residents have voiced their anger at the government for its neglect of Gilgit Baltistan. For years, they have felt marginalized, with little to no investment in disaster prevention or critical infrastructure, despite the exploitation of the region’s natural resources. The government’s apparent failure to provide timely support or address the long-term needs of the population has only deepened the sense of frustration among locals.

Climate Change and Future Risks

The flash floods in PoGB are yet another example of how climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe in vulnerable regions. With glaciers in the Himalayas melting at an accelerated pace, water levels in rivers and streams have risen, creating a higher risk of flash floods. The fragile ecosystems of PoGB, combined with inadequate infrastructure, have left the region highly susceptible to such climate-induced disasters.

This latest flooding has raised urgent questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the effects of climate change in Gilgit Baltistan. While climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies are being discussed globally, many remote areas like PoGB remain left behind. The lack of sustainable development plans and the absence of robust flood management systems have placed the lives and livelihoods of the people in this region at risk.

Environmental activists and local leaders are now calling for greater government intervention and international support to help the region recover and build resilience against future disasters. Without immediate action, the people of Chunda, Kharbu, and Tandal may continue to face devastating floods and other natural calamities, further pushing them into poverty and isolation.

Conclusion

The flash floods that have devastated parts of PoGB have highlighted the vulnerability of the region to climate change-induced disasters. As locals struggle to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, the lack of preventive measures and timely government assistance has left them feeling abandoned. With key infrastructure destroyed, including homes, farms, and roads, the people of Gilgit Baltistan are facing an uphill battle for recovery. Urgent action is required not only to provide immediate relief but also to create long-term solutions that address the growing threat of climate change in this fragile region.

The floods in Chunda, Kharbu, and Tandal serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies. If these measures are not implemented, the region will remain vulnerable to future catastrophes, threatening the survival and well-being of its residents.

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