Mountain Mudslide Creates 7-Km Lake, Threatens Floods in Northern Pakistan

A massive mudslide in northern Pakistan has created a 7-km lake in Gilgit Baltistan by completely blocking the Ghizer River, forming a natural dam that poses a significant risk of bursting and causing catastrophic floods downstream. Officials warned that four districts—Ghizer, Gilgit, Astore, and Diamer—are at serious risk if the dam-like structure fails. Since mid-August, heavy monsoon rains and cloudbursts have already caused severe flooding in the region, killing nearly 400 people in northern mountainous areas and at least 785 nationwide. A shepherd who first spotted the mudslide alerted villagers and local authorities, enabling the evacuation of around 200 residents from vulnerable areas. While the lake has begun releasing water, reducing the immediate threat of a sudden burst, authorities caution that flash floods remain a danger until the blockage is fully cleared and have urged communities downstream to stay on high alert and evacuate low-lying river areas. Multiple mud flows have hit the river from different mountainsides, compounding the risk and ongoing emergency situation.