2010-05-30

Overtopping of the Attabad landslide lake at the Hunza River has started

Overflow of the dam formed by the Hunza landslide started this morning.
This should continue as long as spill outflow + seepage compensate the inflow from glaciers. The crucial question is whether this equilibrium is reached for large water discharges capable of producing rapid erosion: in that case a large outburst flood could happen.
A video of the landslide that blocked the river.
A video short after landsliding.
A video of the lake that was formed (January).
The lake level still growing, and spill discharge too.

Location map:

View Larger Map

2010-05-27

Outburst flood alert in Pakistan

The Hunza River (Pakistan) was blocked by a landslide in January and now threatens to overtop and trigger a large outburst flood as spilling waters erode the barrier.
Water level is expected to overtop in 1-2 days (on May 29th). Megaflood might develop in hours.

Dave Petley (Durham Univ.), based on reports from an observation camp at the spot, at this blog.

Some backgroud on the story here.

Reports from the NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY IN ISLAMABAD.