Flash flood hits Golen valley, powerhouse channel closed

CHITRAL: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in the scenic valley of Golen damaged two houses, three shops and fruit trees in the area on Sunday.

Because of the flood, the water channel of the 108 megawatt Golen Gol hydro powerhouse has been closed but the powerhouse is generating electricity from the stored water.

The flood from the Azghor glacier brought down a large number of uprooted trees that blocked the course of the gushing water near the Bobka village.

As a result, the village was inundated and two houses belonging to Sardar Qadir and Sarwar Qadir along with three shops were damaged.

Rescue teams have been sent to the area to help the affected people while officials from the district disaster management unit were also in the valley to assess damages.

It is feared that there is large scale damages but details are not coming out. Reportedly, people living in small villages in the valley have fled to safer places.

 

Reporting: Muhkam Uddin Ayuni