Cloudburst in Chilas Causes Fatalities and Extensive Damage

CHILAS: A minimum of three individuals have died, and another sustained injuries after a severe cloudburst resulted in flash floods and landslides along Babusar Road on Monday. Local officials confirmed that approximately 7–8 kilometers from Jal to Diyung faced significant disruption.

The intense cloudburst, occurring around 3:03 PM, instigated 14 to 15 substantial blockages due to major landslides, falling rocks, and debris flows. This rendered numerous routes impassable and left vehicles stranded.

Emergency teams successfully evacuated tourists who were stranded in various locations. Transportation arranged by the Girls Degree College and local law enforcement aided in relocating them to secure accommodations within Chilas.

The deputy commissioner alongside the Superintendent of Police (SP) Diamer inspected the impacted area, progressing as far as conditions permitted before encountering insurmountable terrain.

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is currently obstructed at Lal Parhi and Tatta Pani. Babusar Road is completely inaccessible. Authorities indicated that between 10 and 15 vehicles remain trapped within flood-affected ravines and landslide-prone areas.

Relief operations are in progress. However, advancement beyond the midway point remains limited due to vast rock deposits.

In Ghizer, lightning strikes triggered landslides at four separate sites, causing damage to several residences, an educational institution, roadways, and standing crops.

Furthermore, in Upper Kohistan’s Kandia tehsil, flash floods flowing through local streams inflicted damage on numerous residences, irrigation channels, and traditional watermills. Tragically, a woman was also carried away by the rushing waters.

In a separate incident, the national disaster management authority reported that five additional people have died due to rain and flood-related incidents within the last 24 hours, as heavy monsoon rains continue across parts of the country.

The latest fatalities bring the total death toll since June 26 to at least 221, according to NDMA statistics.

Monsoon rains are a regular element of South Asia’s climate, crucial for irrigating crops and replenishing water resources.

However, the negative consequences of these rains have amplified in recent years, aggravated by rapid urbanization, deficient drainage infrastructure, and more frequent extreme weather events attributed to alterations in the climate.