Causes of Floods and Natural Outbursts in Gilgit-Baltistan
Causes of Floods and Natural Outbursts in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Perfect Storm of Geography and Climate Nestled amidst the world's highest mountain ranges—the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush—Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is a region of breathtaking beauty but also extreme environmental vulnerability. Its unique geography and sensitivity to climate change make it a hotspot for devastating floods, often triggered by sudden and catastrophic natural outbursts. Understanding these causes is crucial for disaster preparedness and sustainable development. The primary causes can be categorized into two interconnected groups: Direct Causes of Flooding and Reasons for Natural Outbursts that amplify their severity. I. Direct Causes of Flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan These are the fundamental mechanisms that lead to a dangerous rise in water levels. Glacial Melt Accelerated by Climate Change: The Cause: Gilgit-Baltistan is home to over 7,000 glaciers, earning it the name ...