The Plight of Atta'abad Land Sliding Victims (Part 1)

Hunza Valley is in Karakoram Mountains an elevation of about 2500 meters (8200 ft). Land Sliding is here a prominent risk and its destruction and after affects proves a calamity for the people and the area.

Attaabad village of Hunza valley was situated on the hill top. Due to land sliding the 40 % part of that hill fell down in river Hunza from a height of about 1900 meters.. As a result of this river Hunza was blocked and it became a natural lake. The lone land route the Karakoram Highway known as Silk Route was also blocked. the raising water hit villages Shishkat, Payeen, Gulmit Gojal and Sirt. It forced the inhabitants to demolish their homes save the wood used in roofs and cut the wheat crop before time to preserve it for fodder for cattle.The major existing and under construction bridges, fruit gardens and potatoes crops as well as suspension bridges all submerged in water. Adding fuel to the fire "In February 2010, and avalanche near the Shishkat bridge blocked Karakoram Highway and later on it melted into the lake thus Shishkat bridge was also submerged. (Source:- Pamir Times February 13,2010)"

The life has been paralyzed, the access to the area can only be by helicopters and boats. Due to damaged Silk route, threat of land sliding and flash floods, it takes about 28 hours from capital city Islamabad to reach Hunza and from Hunza onward the access to the areas is possible by helicopters and boats conditioned to the weather.

The November -February time period, the temperature gets minus 12 Celsius, and heavy snow fall bury every thing. the people used to stock food & fire wood for 4 months so that they may stay alive. This year the lake submerged their homes, fields and firewood trees, therefore these winters are going to be the toughest times for them.