Gilgit-Baltistan has experienced a catastrophic flood disaster, especially along the Babusar Highway, where officials say at least three people have died, 15 have been injured, and more than 30 tourists are missing as a result of flash floods and landslides brought on by cloudbursts.
The government spokeswoman for Gilgit-Baltistan stated that two Lodhran citizens, a male named Fahad Islam and a woman named Mashal Fatima, were among the dead. The injured have been taken to the Regional Hospital Chilas, where a crisis management emergency has been proclaimed.
Roads are devastated, and tourist cars are washed away.
More than 15 vehicles, including vans transporting visitors from Sahiwal, have been washed away by the flash floods, which have also devastated almost 8km of the Babusar Highway.
Roads are blocked at 14 to 20 spots, according to authorities, affecting both the Babusar and Karakoram highways, especially in the Diamer district. Heavy debris and water flow have obstructed the Karakoram Highway at Tatta Pani and Lal Pahari.
Relief and rescue operations are in progress.
In an effort to locate the missing visitors and clear the roads, the search and rescue operation has been stepped up. At a media briefing, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Attaur Rehman stated, “The cloudburst happened at about 3:30 p.m. Landslides caused by flash floods swept away cars and blocked highways for 7 to 8 kilometers. Our rescue crews and equipment are constantly at work.
Locals have welcomed stranded visitors into their homes, he continued, while others have been sent to neighboring schools for safety. Communication is hampered, and tourism is impacted.
Additionally, Gilgit’s communication infrastructure has been badly damaged by the natural disaster, making it challenging to coordinate rescue efforts. Officials report that hundreds of tourists have been safely rescued thus far, but thousands are still stranded.
According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, additional equipment is being transported from Naran to aid relief efforts, and medical aid is being given to injured tourists. According to him, the Sahiwal tourists have been relocated to a secure location.
Relief Supplies Are Activated by the Government
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has started rebuilding the damaged areas, such as Ghizer district and portions of Baltistan, by providing tents and ration packets in response to the tragedy.
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has instructed officials to make use of every resource at their disposal in order to speed up rescue efforts and guarantee the security of those who are stuck.
The public is warned not to travel. In a public announcement, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged citizens to refrain from needless travel to areas threatened by flooding. In order to restore road connectivity and keep an eye on the current crisis scenario, NDMA is actively working with local authorities.
