A landslide triggered by torrential rains in northern Pakistan has created a massive artificial lake in the Hunza valley, inundating several villages.

Thousands of people are stranded in the highly mountainous region and forced to use boats to get around on icy waters.

The slide has also blocked the only road between Pakistan and China - disrupting a vital trade link between the two countries that brings in almost half a billion dollars each year.

And the fast-approaching summer season will further melt glaciers and snow caps - posing an even bigger danger.

Al Jazeera's Kamal Hyder reports from the Hunza valley.

[March 13, 2010]