Devastating Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan Claim Hundreds, Exacerbate Water Scarcity and Climate Change Impacts

Unprecedented heatwaves, erratic weather patterns, and glacial melting have triggered cloudbursts and intense floods across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), resulting in a severe shortage of clean drinking water. Hundreds of people, particularly children under the age of five, have fallen victim to water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and pneumonia. The devastating impacts of climate change have become more visible in GB, with the Karakoram Highway (KKH) partially swept away by a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) and torrential water surging through the Juchar nullah in Gulmit, Gojal, and Hunza.

Key Takeaways:

At least 3,321 cases of acute diarrhea were reported in August, with Skardu (607 cases) being the most affected district, followed by Diamer (440 cases) and Astore (486 cases).
A total of 565 pneumonia cases were reported in children under five years of age, with Diamer (199 cases) and Ghizer (101 cases) topping the list.
272 cases of typhoid fever were reported, with Astore (140 cases) and Diamer (80 cases) being the most affected districts.
56 complaints of suspected cholera were registered, with seven in Diamer, five in Ghanche, and 13 in Ghizer.
The health department report also showed 18 cases of hepatitis, with Astore (8 cases), Nagar (7 cases), and Hunza (3 cases) being affected districts.
A total of 202 cases of acute respiratory infection were reported, with Astore (65 cases) and Diamer (49 cases) being the most affected districts.

Sources:

HT Media Ltd., "Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc."