In May 2022, Pakistan witnessed a devastating flood in Gilgit-Baltistan that displaced over 1,000 families across the Hunza and Nagar districts. In Hunza alone, approximately 500 families evacuated their homes, leaving hundreds stranded and in urgent need of assistance. With limited resources and deep-rooted connections to their homeland, most of the affected people could not afford to permanently relocate after the disaster. Consequently, some became “climate refugees,” seeking temporary shelter in nearby towns and villages. In their displacement, these communities face a future marked by the looming threats of additional floods, landslides, and extreme weather events in the region.
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, is home to approximately 800,000 people living within 15km of glaciers. Many residents in the Karakoram Range have built their lives along riverbanks fed by glacial meltwaters, often unaware of the growing risks posed by accelerating glacier retreat due to rising global temperatures. This retreat has already led to catastrophic glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can obliterate entire communities and their means of survival. The 2022 disaster resulted from intense heat and persistent rainfall exacerbating the flooding in the Hunza River. The sudden surge in water levels destroyed swimming pools, hotels, and homes, significantly damaging property and forcing many residents to flee.
This crisis in one of Pakistan’s most scenic and culturally rich areas underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to bolster resilience and adaptive capacities. The Hunza Valley, renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance as part of the Silk Road, is home to the Hunza people, known for their longevity and vibrant traditions. The region boasts Pakistan’s highest peaks and unparalleled biodiversity, hosting over 1,100 species of flora and fauna, including endangered animals such as the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex.
In the wake of the 2022 floods, it has become evident that addressing climate change impacts in Pakistan is crucial. The severe flooding that year affected millions, destroying homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure across the country. The event highlighted how rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are intensifying natural disasters, making adaptation and long-term climate resilience essential. Only through comprehensive climate action and strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure can Pakistan hope to protect its most vulnerable communities and preserve regions like Gilgit-Baltistan for future generations.