Tragic Discovery After Flash Floods in Babusar

CHILAS: The body of three-year-old Abdul Hadi, the son of Dr. Mishaal Fatima, was tragically discovered on Wednesday evening close to Dasar in the Thak Babusar vicinity. This occurred three days after severe flash floods devastated Babusar Top.

Local individuals identified the deceased near a local stream at approximately 7 p.m. and promptly informed the authorities. Gilgit Baltistan Scouts retrieved the body and transported it to Chilas Hospital. Abdul Hadi had been unaccounted for since a sudden cloudburst resulted in a flash flood that swept away a family who were returning from Skardu.

This unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of Dr. Mishaal Fatima, who reportedly jumped into the torrent to rescue her child, and her brother-in-law, Fahad Islam.

The family, originally from Lodhran, were enjoying a picnic in the picturesque area when the disaster took place. According to the Director of Administration at Shahida Islam Medical College, the deceased will be transported back to Lodhran, with funeral prayers planned for 5:30 p.m. at Adam Wahan graveyard.

Widespread Damage and Ongoing Relief Efforts

Meanwhile, extensive flooding in the Thor Valley caused damage to over 50 residences along with a Wapda building, according to district officials. Two people are still missing, and a search operation is currently underway. Vital infrastructure, including a connecting bridge, watermills, water channels, crops, and orchards, suffered destruction due to the deluge.

In response, the district administration has declared a state of emergency across Diamer, suspended all leave for medical professionals and support staff, and mobilized all departments to aid in rescue efforts. The Thak-Babusar Road is still impassable due to debris covering a stretch of 8 to 10 kilometers.

The Deputy Commissioner of Diamer noted that the removal of debris is being hampered by landslides and large rocks, with existing weather patterns raising the chances of further slides. A joint search and cleanup operation remains in effect.

GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq announced that six bodies have been recovered thus far, and search operations are ongoing. He added that the Chief Minister of GB, Haji Gulbar Khan, visited the impacted locations, spoke with families of the victims, and supervised rescue activities.

Tourists previously stranded along Babusar Road were evacuated to Chilas. The GB government confirmed that no tourists remain stranded in GB as of Wednesday. While both the Naran and Babusar highways are still closed, the Silk Road remains open for travel from Khunjerab to Rawalpindi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his profound sadness over the loss of life and property and has directed authorities to accelerate relief initiatives. He instructed officials to prioritize the reopening of the Karakoram Highway and Babusar-Chilas Road, as well as provide sustenance and shelter for those impacted.

Following the catastrophe, the people of Diamer, particularly those residing in flood-affected mud houses, have shown considerable support in rescue operations, offering food and accommodations to stranded travelers along with law enforcement and district officials.