Frozen lake poses serious threat to lives and property, one boat sinks another is saved
Dearth of professional water rescue team being felt in the region
- Frozen surface of the Gojal Lake in Gulmit on a sunny day. Image: Akram Bari
PT Report
- Frozen surface of the Gojal Lake in Gulmit on a sunny day. Image: Akram Bari
Gulmit, December 24: A boat carrying commuters and merchandise destabilized after hitting a sheath of ice formed on surface of the Gojal Lake today. The boat operator’s alertness saved lives of around 30 commuters after he managed to take the sinking boat to the river side near a place called Goharbad, a sub-village of Gulmit.
After the passengers were safely rescued to Goharabad, the boat sank to the bottom of the frozen lake with millions worth of merchandise.
It is pertinent to note that the lake’s surface has started freezing due to extremely low temperatures in the entire Gojal Valley.
Another boat carrying coal received from China also lost balance after hitting a sheath of ice but the local people were able to rescue it to safety.
Absence of a professional and round-the-clock team of water rescue experts is being felt in the region where boats are the only means of transportation.
The local people have demanded restarting of chopper services and deployment of professional water rescuers in the region to save lives and reduce vulnerabilities being felt by the stranded populace.
Traders have also, reportedly, protested in the border town of Sost. They have demanded of the government and Pakistan Army to regularly operate the Ferry Raft service in the lake.
This is sad.
Safe transport arrangements should be made by the government.
safe boat service should be provided
oOo something needs to be soon… this could really cause a havoc..