HUNZA....

The Hunza Valley (Burushaski: ہنزہ Urdu: ہنزہ) is a mountainous valley in Gilgit in the Gilgit-Baltistan , Pakistan autonomous region. The Hunza valley is situated to the north of the Hunza River, at an elevation of around 2,500 metres (8,200 ft). The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 square kilometres (3,100 sq mi). Karimabad (formerly called Baltit) is the main town, which is also a very popular tourist destination because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains like Ultar Sar, Rakaposhi, Bojahagur Duanasir II, Ghenta Peak, Hunza Peak, Passu Peak, Diran Peak and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak), all 6,000 metres (19,685 ft) or higher.
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Hunza was formerly a princely state, and one of the most loyal vassals to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, bordering China to the north-east and Pamir to its north-west, which continued to survive until 1974, when it was finally dissolved by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as Karimabad) and its old settlement is Ganish Village.Hunza was an independent principality for more than 900 years. The British gained control of Hunza and the neighbouring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892 followed by a military engagement of severe intensity. The then Thom (Prince) Mir Safdar Ali Khan of Hunza fled to Kashghar in China and sought what can be called political asylum.
Karimabad Hunza
[edit] First Muslim Thum
“ The ruling family of Hunza is called Ayeshe (heavenly), from the following circumstance. The two states of Hunza and Nagar were formerly one, ruled by a branch of the Shahreis, the ruling family of Gilgit, whose seat of government was Nager. Tradition relates that Mayroo Khan, apparently the first Muslim Thum of Nagar some 200 years after the introduction of the religion of Islam to Gilgit, married a daughter of Trakhan of Gilgit, who bore him twin sons named Moghlot and Girkis. From the former the present ruling family of Nager is descended. The twins are said to have shown hostility to one another from birth. Their father seeing this and unable to settle the question of succession, divided his state between them, giving to Girkis the north, and to Moghlot the south, bank of the river.[1] ”
[edit] Thum
Closeup of the 2010 landslide

The traditional name for the ruler in Hunza was Thum, which is also a respectful appellation used by people of both Hunza and Nager who belong to the clan of Boorish. The Shin use the term Yeshkun for the Boorish.
“ Both Thums are still addressed as Soori, as a title of respect. This appears to be the same [in meaning] as Sri, an commonly prefixed to the names of Hindu princes in India, to denote their honour and prosperity. The Thum's wives are styled ghenish which is almost identical with the original Sanskrit word for mother, and their sons are called gushpoor.[2] ”
[edit] 2010 landslide

In 2010, a landslide blocked the river and creating Attabad Lake, the potential collapse of which threatened the valley below.[3][4][5]
[edit] Geography
Baltit Fort, the former residence of the Mirs of Hunza

The Hunza is situated at an elevation of about 2,500 metres (8,200 ft). For many centuries, Hunza has provided the quickest access to Swat and Gandhara for a person travelling on foot. The route was impassable to baggage animals; only human porters could get through, and then only with permission from the locals.

Hunza was easily defended as the paths were often less than 0.5 metres (20 in) wide. The high mountain paths often crossed bare cliff faces on logs wedged into cracks in the cliff, with stones balanced on top. They were also constantly exposed to regular damage from weather and falling rocks. These were the much feared "hanging passageways" of the early Chinese histories that terrified all, including several famous Chinese Buddhist monks such as Xuanzang.
[edit] Climate
Spring in Hunza Valley

The temperature in May is a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum of 14 °C (57 °F); the October maximum is 10 °C (50 °F) and the minimum −10 °C (14.0 °F). Hunza's tourist season is generally from May to October, because in winter the Karakoram Highway is often blocked by the snow.
[edit] Transport

Today, the famous Karakoram Highway crosses Hunza, connecting Pakistan to China via the Khunjerab Pass. Travelling up the valley from the south, Hunza is the land to the left, and the former state of Nagar to the right of the Hunza River. Regular bus and van services operate between Gilgit and Central Hunza (Ganish Village, Aliabad and Karimabad) and also between Gilgit and Sost Gojal. PTDC Office at Gilgit, Sost and Islamabad arranges tours and transport for visitors.
[edit] Spectacular scenery
Rakaposhi: Nager Valley, 7,788 metres (25,551 ft)

Several high peaks rise above 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) in the surroundings of Hunza valley. The valley provides spectacular views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world which include Rakaposhi 7,788 metres (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar 7,388 metres (24,239 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 metres (24,045 ft), Ghenta Sar 7,090 metres (23,261 ft), Hunza Peak 6,270 metres (20,571 ft), Darmyani Peak 6,090 metres (19,980 ft), and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 metres (19,685 ft). Hunza Valley is also host to the ancient watch towers in Ganish , Baltit Fort and Altit Fort. Watch towers are located in heart of Ganish Village, Baltit Fort stands on top of Karimabad whereas Altit Fort lies at the bottom of the valley.

The valley is popularly believed to be the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-la in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. As one travels up on the Karakoram Highway, the beautiful sceneries keep on revealing themselves. On the way one can witness the 65 kilometres (40 mi) long 'Batura' glacier, the second longest in Pakistan, surround by Shishper, Batura and Kumpirdior peaks. On reaching Sost one can continue the journey up to Khunzhrav or turn west to witness the mystic beauty of Chipursan (also Chapursan) valley. Chipursan valley has some of most exotic tourist spots in the area. In Yarzerech (also Yarzirich) you can have a look at the majestic Kundahill peak (6,000 metres (19,685 ft)), or trek along the Rishepzhurav to the Kundahill to experience the soothing sceneries. Beyond Yarzerech one can travel further to Lupghar, Raminj, Reshit, Yishkuk up to Baba Ghundi (Astan), the shrine of Baba-e-Ghund, a saint from Afghanistan near the border between Pakistan and Wakhan region of Afghanistan.
[edit] People of Hunza
Main article: Hunza people
Hunza valley river

As much as the valley is famous for its beauty, the people of Hunza are noted for their friendliness and hospitality. The local languages spoken are Burushaski, Wakhi and Shina, many people understand Urdu. The literacy rate of the Hunza valley is believed to be more than 90%. Virtually every child of the new generation studies up to at least high school level. Many pursue higher studies from prestigious colleges and Universities of Pakistan and abroad.

Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Shia Muslims, followers of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, while in Ganish Village more than 90% are Shia Muslims.

The Hunza region is home to people of three ethnicities:

* The Lower Hunza area - (from Khizerabad to Nasirabad is mainly inhabited by the Shinaki people who are Shina speakers;
* The Central Hunza area - (from Murtazaabad to Ahmedabad) is mainly inhabited by Burushaski speakers.
* The Upper Hunza area, known as Gojal - (from Shiskat to Khunjerab is mainly populated by Wakhi speakers;

[edit] New District

Hunza-Nagar became a new district in Gilgit-Baltistan starting in July, 2009. There is planned to be a Northern Areas Legislative Council Assembly (NALA) seat for Hunza.[6]

over flow

the water flowed on 29th april and has increased from 20 cusic meter to 129 cusic meter

beautiful HUNZA (^_^)

1)Lady finger or locally known as Bubulimuting

Summary of current situation in the landslide at Attabad

This is a summary of the current situation with the landslide. Data correct to 11th May 2010 (10th May for NDMA data). Red indicates a rising trend from the previous reading and purple a falling trend. Orange numbers indicate no change. All data courtesy of Focus Humanitarian Assistance unless otherwise indicated. Please see notes of caution at the end of this post.

Please note that I am now calculating the date on which there will be flow through the spillway using the rate of increase for the last 24 hours. This is because the rate of increase in water level is now increasing quite quickly.

Current estimated date on which water will start to flow through the spillway:
Estimate based on current (24 hour rate) of increase of water level: 25th May 2010

Water flow through the spillway may occur sooner than this date.

Depth of lake (NDMA data) : 95.45 m (10th May)
Depth of lake (Focus data): 98.38 m
Freeboard (Focus data): 12.11 m
Length of lake: 15.80 km
Rate of inflow: 67.50 cubic metres per second (last measurement = 4th May)
Total seepage (NDMA data): 1.70 cubic metres per second (10th May)
Total seepage (Focus data): 2.05 cubic metres per second

Average rate of decrease of freeboard over the last 24 hours: 83.84 cm per day
Number of days to water flow at current rate of freeboard loss: 14 days

Estimated date of water flow through the spillway based on rate of loss of freeboard for last 24 hours (see note below): 25th May 2010. Actual flow may occur earlier than this date.

Important: The calculation of days to water flow through the spillway is subject to substantial uncertainty and must not be used for planning purposes. The rate at which the lake fills changes considerably with time according to variations in the rate of inflow, the rate of seepage, the rate of excavation of the channel, the shape of the valley etc. Under some circumstances, such as an earthquake, a landslide into the lake or rapid piping failure flow could start earlier.
Posted by Dr Dave at 5:27 PM 1 comments
Labels: Attabad, Hunza, landslide dam, Pakistan
Seepage at the landslide dam at Attabad in Hunza
Latest update: 12th May 2010 using data up to 11th May 2010

STRIKE IN ALIABAD HUNZA

Hunza, May 12: Hundreds of people participated in a peaceful protest in Aliabad, sub-divisional headquarter of Hunza, against the widespread destructions in Gojal Tehsil due to inability of the authorities to drain the lake formed on Hunza River according to announced target dates. The protest was addressed by leaders of nationalist parties,office bearers of Hunza Business Association and Hunza-Nagar Transport Associations. The protestors blocked KKH for four hours and chanted slogans against the role of the Government and the National Disaster Management Authority.
The protesters blamed General (rtd.) Farooq Ahmed Khan, the former Chairman NDMA, for playing ‘a suspicious role during the disaster’. They demanded of the Government to register FIR against NDMA for consciously letting the community and state properties submerge in the lake.

They said the authorities were not serious in earlier release of water from the lake which has now submerged more than 90 houses, thousands of kanals of lands and domesticated plants in Shishkat, Ayeenabad and Gulmit. They said the authorities are responsible for inundation of the 15 kilometer of the strategic Karakoram Highway and the bridges connecting Pakistan and China.

They said the Government has not taken concrete steps to reduce the sufferings of the people after 129 days for the incident. The speakers also said that removal of the bridge between Gilgit and Danyore has resulted in hiked prices of petroleum and essential goods in Hunza-Nagar district. They also blamed the Gilgit police and administration for taking bribes to allow the crossing of the trucks to Hunza-Nagar.

NASA RELEASES NEW ASTER IMAGE OF ATTABAD LAKE

NASA have released a new ASTER image of the lake that continues to build behind the landslide at Attabad in Hunza, N. Pakistan. Included in this image is the outline of the lake as it was in their image in March, showing the increase in surface area:


A couple of things to note on this image:
1. The red areas indicate vegetation. Given that this area is very close to being a high altitude desert, this indicates the location of cultivated areas. The image clearly illustrates the way in which cropland is now being inundated;
2. The cultivated area on the southern side of the image is Shiskat, which is built on a fan. The image dramatically shows how the recent growth of the extent of the lake has left this area completely isolated. If the lake were to last through the summer then this area is likely to face serious challenges next winter;
3. The danger posed by a further landslide into the lake creating a wave that could rapidly overtop the dam is dramatically illustrated here. There is no shortage of potentially unstable slopes. This is a source of very real worry to me now.

Meanwhile, the seepage rate continues to increase as the lake fills, and a new seepage point emerged yesterday. The graph of measured seepage against time shows the continuing increasing trend:


Whilst the seepage is not yet at worrying levels, the rate of internal erosion from this water flow could increase rapidly as the flow rate rises. Therefore, we need to continue to be mindful of the threat that this seepage potentially poses, especially in the last few days. We cannot rule out the possibility of a piping-induced failure.

The rate of increase of water level has slowed a little over the last few days, probably because the surface area of the lake has dramatically increased. Based on current rate of filling this has pushed the estimated date of water flow through the spillway back a little to 25th-28th May. This may well come forward again if the rate of inflow into the lake increases, which is what we would expect at this time of year. As of yesterday, the freeboard was just 12 metres, with the rate of rise of the water level being about 80 cm per day. Downward excavation of the spillway has now apparently ceased at a total depth of 14 metres (against the planned 30 m); the focus is now on widening the channel. As far as I am aware there is no armouring of the structure to prevent erosion.

NASA RELEASES NEW ASTER IMAGE OF ATTABAD LAKE

NASA have released a new ASTER image of the lake that continues to build behind the landslide at Attabad in Hunza, N. Pakistan. Included in this image is the outline of the lake as it was in their image in March, showing the increase in surface area:


A couple of things to note on this image:
1. The red areas indicate vegetation. Given that this area is very close to being a high altitude desert, this indicates the location of cultivated areas. The image clearly illustrates the way in which cropland is now being inundated;
2. The cultivated area on the southern side of the image is Shiskat, which is built on a fan. The image dramatically shows how the recent growth of the extent of the lake has left this area completely isolated. If the lake were to last through the summer then this area is likely to face serious challenges next winter;
3. The danger posed by a further landslide into the lake creating a wave that could rapidly overtop the dam is dramatically illustrated here. There is no shortage of potentially unstable slopes. This is a source of very real worry to me now.

Meanwhile, the seepage rate continues to increase as the lake fills, and a new seepage point emerged yesterday. The graph of measured seepage against time shows the continuing increasing trend:


Whilst the seepage is not yet at worrying levels, the rate of internal erosion from this water flow could increase rapidly as the flow rate rises. Therefore, we need to continue to be mindful of the threat that this seepage potentially poses, especially in the last few days. We cannot rule out the possibility of a piping-induced failure.

The rate of increase of water level has slowed a little over the last few days, probably because the surface area of the lake has dramatically increased. Based on current rate of filling this has pushed the estimated date of water flow through the spillway back a little to 25th-28th May. This may well come forward again if the rate of inflow into the lake increases, which is what we would expect at this time of year. As of yesterday, the freeboard was just 12 metres, with the rate of rise of the water level being about 80 cm per day. Downward excavation of the spillway has now apparently ceased at a total depth of 14 metres (against the planned 30 m); the focus is now on widening the channel. As far as I am aware there is no armouring of the structure to prevent erosion.