Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to take emergency measures in view of the destruction caused by a glacial lake outburst flood from the Shisper glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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He instructed to save lives and properties of the people and their shifting to safer places.
The Prime Minister also ordered to provide food, medicines, and the required emergency equipment to the affected areas. He directed federal government institutions to extend every possible assistance and cooperation to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. He also sought report about the losses and the affected people.
Shehbaz Sharif advised preparing an alternative road due to the destruction of the Hassanabad bridge on the Karakoram Highway. He also advised preparing estimate regarding the destruction of irrigation and drinking water system as well as two affected powerhouses.
The Prime Minister ordered the restoration of powerhouses of 700 and 250 megawatts on war footing basis. He said the Federal Government will bear the expenditure to be incurred on the restoration and maintenance of these powerhouses. Besides, he sought a report on the damage inflicted on Karakoram Highway.
The Prime Minister assured that the government will take all possible measures to provide emergency assistance to the affected people and their restoration. He also expressed sympathy and sorrow with the affected people over the losses.
Earlier, a massive glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in Hunza district’s Hassanabad village Saturday, sweeping away the Hassanabad bridge on the Karakoram Highway. The Shisper Glacier started discharging 5,000 cusecs of water owing to premature melting, leaving Hunza, Gilgit disconnected.
The flow of water, however, reduced by Sunday morning, Hunza Deputy Commissioner Usman Ali said.
The official said that a temporary bridge will be built after the water completely drains out of the lake.
Speaking about the damages caused by the flooding, Ali said that a jamaat khana was partially damaged while the drinking and agricultural water system has been destroyed.
He further stated that 22 houses have been vacated and small vehicles are transported through Sharae Nagar.
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Meanwhile, Adviser to Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira spoke to the Gilgit-Baltistan chief secretary over the telephone. The GB chief secretary briefed Kaira on the Hassanabad bridge collapse in Hunza.
Kaira issued directives to make all necessary arrangements. He said that steps should be taken on a priority basis to restore land connectivity and routine life in the surrounding areas.
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