05-29-2010, 10:40 AM
ISLAMABAD: The local administration in Hunza on Friday declared the next 24 hours crucial, as the distance between the landslide lake and the spillway was reducing swiftly. The administration said the water level in the Attaabad lake was increasing sharply due to rain and the next 24 hours could be decisive. Sporadic rains could halt helicopter service for the affected people, which could multiply the problems for the locals. It said the Karakoram Highway had been closed up to Gilgit for an indefinite period because of the possible water spill from the lake. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also announced that the night between May 28 and 29 was very important for the starting of water’s seepage from the lake. Arrangements have been completed to cope with any emergency that may arise and the situation was being thoroughly monitored by the departments concerned, it said. Regarding relief operations, a TV channel reported that the federal government was in touch with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration and the affected people in camps were being provided with relief goods in collaboration with NGOs and UN aid agencies. app