HUNZA: Ataabad lake water level is only 2 feet below from the spillway, authorities say. If is being expected that water outflow from the landslide hit lake can spill out anytime. On the other hand, water level continues to rise in the lake due to incessant rains recorded in Ataabad and its adjoining areas. The deputy commissioners of Hunzanagar and Diamer closed the Shahra-e-Karokoram in the wake of red alert. Due to unpleasant weather condition, chopper service also remained suspended during the day. According to NDMA officials, the rescue operation could be resumed if weather situation improved.
Written on May 28, 2010 | Posted in
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HUNZA: The distance between Ataabad lake water and spillway is down to less than four feet, Geo has reported from Hunza. Amid possibility of water outflow, Hunza authorities have closed Gilgit-Hunza section of Karkoram Highway for traffic. In addition, an IDP camp, which comprises of 400 tents, has being shifted to Special Education Complex after being declared dangerous. Hunza Nagar Deputy Commissioner Zafar Waqar Taj said that people have been advised to stay at high areas away from the river. Although a number of helicopters are already taking part in the rescue operation. However, in the wake of possible outflow of water, more helicopters will be used. The Hunza DC said that next 36 hours are very important in this regard. He hoped that the arrangements being made during the last four months to prevent human losses would bear fruits. Taj further said the current level in Ataabad Lake is 360 feet and its level is increasing by one inch after every hour.
Written on May 27, 2010 | Posted in
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LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif will visit Ataabad and Hunza Nagar, where he will listen to the problems being faced by affected people. Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif will accompany him in the visit scheduled for May 24. Punjab’s Minster for Prison Chaudhry Abdul Ghafur is already in Ataabad, where he has been assigned to supervise the distribution of relief goods among displaced people. Sources close to the PML-N said that Nawaz Sharif would chair the party’s meeting on May 25 in Murree, in which 18th Amendment, party’s reorganization and Hazara movement will come under discussion. Earlier, the PML-N Quaid returned to the country from London after 2-week long visit.
Written on May 23, 2010 | Posted in
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HUNZA: Ataabad Lake water continues to rise over melting of glacier, reducing the difference between spillway and lake water level down to 12-foot only. People stranded in the lake are being airlifted to the safe areas. The process of melting of glacier has intensified due to sunny weather in the area. Water outflow would start from the spillway if its level rose to 12-foot in the lake. According to government sources, water inflow in the lake is 2500 cusec while outflow is more than 200 cusec. The level of water in Ataabad Lake is growing 3.8 feet a day. On the other hand, helicopter services began after boat service was suspended. Initially, people have been evacuated from the lake to safe areas. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman General Nadeem Ahmed said that the process of landsliding was underway. He said that number of helicopters involved in rescue operation would be increased.
Written on May 20, 2010 | Posted in
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HAZARA: It is being feared that the Ataabad lake bank, if leaked or busted, could affect all five districts of Hazara Division. While people living on the bank of Indus River have been directed to vacate the area in the wake of growing water level in Ataabad Lake. Oogi, Kala Dhaka and Darband areas of Mansehra District, Shalnai, Jambela, Sost Viyar, Thakot, Goryal Bala, Goryal Payan and Kund areas of Battagram District, Basham area of Shangla District have been put on red alert. Similarly, Dasu, Pattan, Dobair and Pamela area of Kohistan while Batal area of Abbotabad could be affected by the flooding. According to former federal minister Azam Khan, 300 to 400 families have migrated from Thakot area of Battagram.
Written on May 16, 2010 | Posted in
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GILGIT BALTISTAN: Another town has been inundated due to rising water level in Ataabad lake whereas Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will likely reach Gilgit today to review the situation. He will take an Ariel view of Ataabad lake and other affected areas. According to administration of Hunza, Prime Minister’s visit to Hunza depends upon weather conditions. On the other hand, traffic has been suspended near Murtazaabad at Karakoram Highway since two days that suspended land link of Hunza and upper Nagar with other areas. Talking to Geo News, Deputy Commissioner Hunza Nagar Waqar Taj said that rescue operation has been speed up to reopen the road and it will be opened for traffic till 3:00 pm today if no fresh land sliding will be occurred. He said operation is underway to remove wooden hanging bridges at four different places in Hunza Nagar to avoid damage in case of expected flooding due to water discharge from Ataabad lake.
Written on May 14, 2010 | Posted in
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HUNZA: Ataabad lake water has started to seep into the eastern side of an under construction spillway, raising fears that it may submerge several other areas.
Written on May 13, 2010 | Posted in
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