Rescue Operations Underway in Gilgit Baltistan After Devastating Floods

Following severe flooding triggered by intense rainfall along the Babusar route, rescue efforts are in full swing in Gilgit Baltistan. The calamity has resulted in at least three fatalities and several injuries, with over a dozen individuals still unaccounted for.

Authorities have reported substantial damage to infrastructure and the displacement of numerous tourist vehicles due to the flash floods that struck the region on Monday.

GB government representative Faizullah Faraq stated that intensive efforts are being carried out to locate those who are still missing.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) indicated that the incident took place at approximately 3:30 PM on Monday, when a cloudburst hit the Babusar Road area between Jal and Diyung, impacting a stretch of about 7-8 kilometers.

The deluge and cloudburst in GB’s Diamer district caused disruptions on crucial parts of the Karakoram Highway. Teams from the National Highway Authority (NHA) have been actively working to clear obstructions based on directives from the Federal Minister for Communications.

An NHA spokesperson announced on Tuesday that traffic flow has been reinstated in several areas, including near Chilas Bazaar, Zero Point, and Governor Farm.

The highway has also been reopened for single-lane traffic in Passu and Jalkhad, while restoration work is ongoing near Tatta Pani. NHA teams have been working continuously and will remain on-site until full access is restored. The NHA chairman is directly overseeing these operations.

Diamer Deputy Commissioner Atta-ur-Rehman informed the media that machinery is being transported to the areas impacted by the floods, with some locations already receiving assistance.

He mentioned that the injured have been transported to the Regional Headquarters Hospital using ambulances. He also verified that three bodies have been recovered, though it remains unclear whether they were tourists or local inhabitants.

The deputy commissioner stressed the district administration’s commitment to providing comprehensive support in response to the disaster and will promptly distribute food, water, and other essential supplies to those affected.

Law enforcement officials stated that over 30 vehicles, including passenger vans, were swept away by the flash floods, and an estimated 10 to 15 vehicles have been completely destroyed.

Officials noted that landslides have resulted in the complete shutdown of Babusar Road, with significant damage to approximately 7-8 kilometers of the road and the destruction of four connecting bridges.

Additionally, the floods demolished two mosques and over 50 residences.

Furthermore, the heavy flow of water damaged electricity infrastructure and fiber optic cables, resulting in significant communication disruptions.

Travelers in Thak and Babusar have been cut off from contacting their families.

GB government representative Faizullah Faraq mentioned that while rescue operations were hampered overnight due to lack of visibility, they recommenced early in the morning.

He confirmed that over 200 stranded tourists have been rescued and transported to Chilas.

Local residents have been instrumental in aiding stranded tourists. Hotels and guesthouses in Chilas have offered accommodations to affected tourists at no cost.

Authorities are continuing their search for those missing as further rainfall is anticipated in the region. The situation is still critical, and all available rescue resources are being utilized.

The Pakistan Army is also participating in relief efforts aimed at rescuing tourists stranded on the Babusar and Karakoram highways.

Army personnel have been airlifting tourists and travelers to safer locations.

Moreover, the military, along with GB Scouts teams, is supplying food and medical assistance to those impacted by the disaster.