The temporary embankment of the new spillway of Attabad Lake was destroyed by a blast on Monday. A high alert was declared in Hunza and people in nearby villages were evacuated. Local residents moved to higher grounds while police was deployed at routes leading towards lower areas and River Indus. Karakoram Highway was closed for traffic and boat service was also suspended in the lake. According to the Hazara commissioner, water level in the River Indus could rise due to opening of the spillway.
He said that around 50,000 cusecs of water will be released due to opening of the spillway, which might lead to floods. The commissioner said that around 40 tonnes explosives material was used for blasting embankment of the lake’s spillway. Section 144 was imposed in the district, educational institutions were closed and holiday was declared in government offices as precautionary measures.