11 January 2010

Update on the Attabad landslide

Posted by Dave Petley

Image from Pamir Times.

The Pakistan Red Crescent have published the latest update on the state of the Attabad landslide in northern Pakistan. The key information is that the water level in the barrier lake is rising at 0.4 feet (about 12 cm) per hour (NB note correction). The level is reportedly 44 feet (13.4 metres) from the crest of the dam. The lake is about to inundate the settlement of Ayinabad. APP reports that a channel will be constructed to drain the lake but that in the meantime downstream settlements are being evacuated.

Image from Pamir Times.

Meanwhile, clearance of the Karakoram Highway continues but is expected to take a month.

It remains difficult to determine the death toll from this event. The PRC report says “At least 15 people are reported to have been killed out of which and others are still missing”. APP reports 13 deaths and six people missing.