Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in northern Pakistan known for its towering peaks and vast glaciers, is experiencing unprecedented glacial melting due to rising temperatures. Recent reports indicate that extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40°C in Skardu and 49°C in Chilas, has accelerated ice loss in the Karakoram range. This rapid melting is triggering flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods, damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure in areas like Gilgit and Ghizer.
Local communities face growing risks as erratic weather patterns, including sudden hailstorms and sandstorms, compound the challenges. Posts on X highlight public alarm, with residents and experts noting the impact on agriculture and livelihoods, particularly for the over 120 million people in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region who depend on glacial meltwater for drinking and irrigation. The Shisper Glacier’s rapid retreat has already caused flooding in Hasanabad Valley, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The melting glaciers threaten long-term water security, as they store about 70% of the world’s freshwater. Scientists warn that continued ice loss could disrupt water supplies, affect biodiversity, and contribute to rising sea levels. Pakistan’s meteorological department has been credited with early warnings that have saved lives, but the broader economic and environmental consequences remain a concern. Immediate action to mitigate climate change and strengthen disaster preparedness is needed to protect vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 17th, 2025
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