5 Dead, 30+ Missing in Gilgit-Baltistan Tragedy
Gilgit-Baltistan — Catastrophic flash floods triggered by intense rains and a cloudburst on July 21 and 22 have wreaked havoc across Babusar Top and surrounding areas in Diamer district, leaving more than 30 people missing, and causing widespread destruction.
Rescue teams have recovered five bodies of tourists who had gone missing in the floods. The extreme weather swept away over 15 tourist vehicles in Chilas, stranding hundreds in the region.
Cloudburst Triggers Devastating Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan; Tourists Rescued, Infrastructure Damaged
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that the search operation is still underway for the missing individuals. He noted that nightfall had previously slowed rescue operations, but efforts resumed with daylight.
Cloudburst in Gilgit-Baltistan Traps Tourists, Destroys Roads and Homes
So far, more than 200 stranded tourists have been rescued through the combined efforts of local residents and rescue teams. In a show of community support, the people of Thak Babusar opened their homes to offer shelter to over 100 tourists, while all local hotels and guest houses have waived charges to accommodate the affected.
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Officials have urged tourists to avoid non-essential travel to the region, warning of hazardous conditions. In Diamer, at least 20 key points along the Babusar Road and Silk Route have become inaccessible, with over 8 kilometers of road infrastructure severely damaged.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has initiated emergency relief measures, including the distribution of food rations and tents to flood victims.
Gilgit-Baltistan Flood Update: Karakoram Highway Blocked, Millions Lost
The disaster has also affected Danur village, where homes and crops were submerged, leading to millions of rupees in losses for local residents.
Meanwhile, landslides and flash flooding have caused multiple blockages along the Karakoram Highway. On orders from the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), specialized teams have been dispatched to restore access and clear routes.
The unusual intensity of rainfall has once again raised concerns about climate change impacts in the northern areas of Pakistan, which are increasingly vulnerable to cloudbursts, glacial melting, and erratic weather events.
