In brief
As glaciers melt and lake outbursts become more frequent in Gilgit-Baltistan, families like Komal's confront the tangible threats of climate change. With increasing flooding and limited evacuation resources, the community's pleas for action echo through the barren remnants of once-green lands.
In the heart of Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan lies the Hunza Valley, a picturesque region now wrestling with the dramatic consequences of climate change. This mountainous area, referred to by many as the Third Pole, is experiencing accelerated glacier melt that poses significant risks to its residents. Eighteen-year-old Komal, who has spent her life amidst the lush orchards and vibrant landscapes, recalls the fateful day when her world changed. On a seemingly ordinary morning, while attending school, Komal received alarming news: the Hassanabad bridge had collapsed. The cause? A glacial lake that had suddenly released its contained waters, resulting in a destructive torrent that swept away everything in its path, including her family's home. “I never thought it could reach us,” she reflected, as memories of her sun-soaked garden turned into an aching reminder of what once was.Two years have passed since that devastating event, yet the impact of climate change remains palpable. Areas that were once lively with greenery now lie barren, with only remnants of the past—like coat hooks and broken tiles—scattered amidst the rubble. The urgency to respond to these changes is clear, as researchers warn that without significant reduction in emissions, Himalayan glaciers could lose two-thirds of their volume by the century's end.The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) highlights that more than 48,000 people in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral are at heightened risk of lake outbursts and landslides, with evacuation becoming a necessity for certain communities. This unsettling reality is compounded by a drastic shift in weather patterns that have exacerbated flooding and altered snow and rainfall dynamics. “Climate change has increased the intensity and frequency of disasters,” explains Deedar Karim, a program coordinator at the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat.Yet, the challenge of relocating these vulnerable populations is immense. Many have deep emotional ties to their land, and the search for alternative safe spaces is hindered by limited resources and infrastructure. Zubair Ahmed, assistant director of the Disaster Management Authority, voiced concern over survival in the coming years, stressing the importance of proactive measures.Meanwhile, community members like Ijaz, an emergency volunteer, participate in drills to prepare for potential disasters. With weather patterns now unpredictable, the volunteer's commitment is crucial in a region where outside assistance could take days to arrive amidst landslides and blocked roads. Nevertheless, he understands the limitations of their efforts in the face of powerful floods.Various mitigation strategies are being explored, such as early warning systems, flood barriers, and community monitoring of glacier activity. Yet, resources remain scarce, as Ahmed notes that only a fraction of the 100 valleys identified for early warning systems have received attention.The specter of disaster looms large over residents like Sultan Ali, who, at seventy, grapples with the uncertainty of his future. Surrounded by family and memories of a vibrant home, he feels helpless amid the changing climate. Questions of where his grandchildren will find safety echo in his mind as he watches them play.For Komal and her community, the prospect of leaving their ancestral lands is bittersweet. She acknowledges the harsh reality that staying may no longer be an option, yet expresses dismay over the lack of alternatives. As nature shifts beneath their feet, hope and fear intertwine, shaping their path ahead in these pristine yet perilous mountains. Click here for a deeper look into the documentary that captures their story.
