Climate change is altering the landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan and neighbouring Chitral, researchers say. If current emissions continue, Himalayan glaciers could lose up to two-thirds of their volume by the end of this century, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. Komal, an 18-year-old resident, recounts how a sudden flood destroyed her home and village, displacing families. According to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), more than 48,000 residents of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral are considered to be at high risk from a lake outburst or landslide. “Climate change has increased the intensity and frequency of disasters in the region,” says Deedar Karim, programme coordinator for the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH). “These areas are very exposed. With the increase in temperature, there is more discharge (of water) and then more flooding. This causes damage to infrastructure, houses, agricultural land.” While local authorities are implementing measures like early warning systems and evacuation drills, limited resources hinder broader solutions. The BBC’s Global News Service has covered this story in a podcast episode that can be streamed on BBC, Spotify, and Apple.