Water reaches 17 ft mark in Attabad Lake, flooding more houses

[Waqas 48]

HUNZA: Further sliding of large rocks and melting of glaciers due to hot weather have led to quick erosion of spillway while the water level in the Attabad Lake has witnessed a further surge by 17 feet since May 29 – the day the water outflow began through the spillway.According to officials sources, water continues to flow out rapidly through the spillway. The melting of glaciers as a result of rising heat has led to a 5-inch increase in water level into the lake during 4 to 5 pm this evening. This caused flooding of more houses in Gulmit and Shahkat areas of Koshal Tehsil.The water level in the lake saw a total increase of 17 feet since May 29 on which water seepage into the spillway had begun.Meanwhile, a decision in principle has been made to resume the boat service which was suspended on May 16. Ferrying of two boats at a time has been declared a must so that passengers of one boat could be shifted to the other in case of an accident.As another development, a link road has been built to a safe spot located on the right side of the lake while the heli service continued to air lift affectees from one spot to the other.

[Uncleg 2]

The resumption of boat service is a nice decision, but previously cars and jeeps have been transported on the boats without carrying out any security measures. Boat service needs monitoring by the concerned authorities.