The seismic shaking of 8th October 2005 earthquake, triggered the largest landslide of 68X106m3 in Hattian Bala, 25 kilometres away in the south from Muzaffarabad, AJK. The rock avalanche destroyed the village, killed around 1000 people and a lake named “Zalzal Lake” was formed between the two towns of Chikar and Hattian Bala, due to blockage of streams flow of two mountains. It became tourist resort. Many experts conveyed the fear that earth-filled dike of reservoir could hardly withstand the pressure of rising water and can cause devastation in event of heavy rains. On February 09, 2010 due to excessive rains and snowfall the lake caused water flooding onto the lower areas. It swept several houses, shops making people homeless and affected their livelihood.  

The water level in the lake became dangerously high since Friday, February 09 and on late Monday night, dwellers of few houses along the water channel informed administration officials about likelihood of flood from reservoir. In response to this information, officials directed the residents to immediately evacuate their houses hence no major human loss happened as stated by Deputy Commissioner Hattian Bala, Mr. Shafique Kiani in an interview to Dawn News. The lake broken the banks and on the first day 36 families were affected consisting of 181 individuals and huge discharge of water raised the level of river Jhelum, created panic among people living beside the riverbanks. The flood washed away 36 houses fully, 15 houses partially, 05 shops and 04 watermills completely. 

Later on the two villages i.e Butsher, Dakhan Padar of union council Chakkar and village Karli of union council Salmia have been affected badly. These villages are slightly sliding into the lake. Approximately 300 families are affected in these villages that left their dwellings and currently living with host families with some wandering on the roads with no place to stay. 

The families are severely affected by this event, their houses sunk in water and in hustle and bustle they were unable to carry out anything. They left homes without having any necessity of life. Cold weather is increasing their vulnerability especially the children & women are suffering from severe health problems.  

In response to this situation, Sungi took lead on the very first day and on February 09, teams were in the field for quick assessment based on which the items from stock pile were moved along with Emergency Response Team Members from head office. On the very next day, February 10th, 37 families were supported with 28 tents & 58 blankets as per need in Hattian Bala & Lohdiabad (a village of Hattian Bala). The benefitted 37 families consist of 286 individuals including 104 men, 88 women, 94 children. 

Today 11th February, the assessment teams are in union councils of Chakkar & Salmia and started assessment. The following items are being distributed among the most vulnerable: 

Sungi was the first to respond this emergency and this has been acknowledged by Government, stakeholders and the community. SDMA also provided 39 blankets to Sungi to distribute as per assessment. Yesterday, in coordination meeting with SDMA, Red Cross, SPO and Local Government it was decided that food will be provided by SPO and tents by Red Cross to the affectees. The immediate needs of the affected population include warm clothes, medicines, food and shelter.