A devastating flood disaster has struck Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly along the Babusar Highway, where flash floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts have left at least three people dead, 15 injured, and over 30 tourists missing, according to officials.
The spokesperson of the Gilgit-Baltistan government confirmed that among the deceased are a woman, Mashal Fatima, and a man, Fahad Islam, both residents of Lodhran. The injured have been shifted to Regional Hospital Chilas, where an emergency has been declared to manage the crisis.
Tourist vehicles swept away, roads destroyed
The flash floods have swept away over 15 vehicles, including vans carrying tourists from Sahiwal, and have destroyed more than 8km of the Babusar Highway. Authorities report that roads are blocked at 14 to 20 locations, particularly in the Diamer district, affecting both Babusar and Karakoram highways. The Karakoram Highway has been blocked at Tatta Pani and Lal Pahari due to heavy debris and water flow.
Rescue and relief efforts underway
The search and rescue operation has been intensified, with efforts focused on finding missing tourists and clearing the roadways. Diamer Deputy Commissioner Attaur Rehman, during a media briefing, said, “Around 3:30pm, the cloudburst occurred. Flash floods triggered landslides across 7 to 8 kilometers, blocking roads and sweeping away vehicles. Our machinery and rescue teams are working non-stop.”
He added that local residents have opened their homes to stranded tourists, while others have been shifted to nearby schools for safety.
Tourism hit, communication disrupted
The natural disaster has also severely affected the communication infrastructure in Gilgit, making it difficult to coordinate rescue operations. Thousands of tourists remain stranded, although officials say hundreds have been safely rescued so far.
Faizullah Firaq, a spokesperson for the GB government, said medical assistance is being provided to injured tourists and more machinery is being sent from Naran to support relief efforts. He said the tourists from Sahiwal have been shifted to a safe place.
Government Mobilizes Relief Supplies
In response to the crisis, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has begun distributing ration packets and tents in affected areas, including Ghizer district and parts of Baltistan to rehabilitate them. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has directed authorities to utilize all available resources to expedite the rescue operations and ensure the safety of stranded individuals.
Public advised to avoid travel
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a public advisory, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-affected regions. NDMA is actively coordinating with local authorities to restore road connectivity and monitor the ongoing disaster situation.
