A cloudburst in Gilgit-Baltistan has caused extensive damage in the Diamer district, with dozens of houses destroyed, key infrastructure washed away, and several tourists reported missing.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said that dozens of tourists have been rescued along the Babusar Highway through joint efforts by rescue personnel and local residents. However, the search for others who remain missing continues.
Rescue operations were initially impeded by darkness, but a full-scale search resumed at first light. The spokesperson said that efforts remain ongoing to locate the missing individuals.
The flood has destroyed a girls’ school, two hotels, a windmill, a wheat depot, a police post and a tourist police shelter along the Babusar Highway. More than 50 houses situated near the highway have been completely swept away.
An eight-kilometre stretch of road has sustained severe damage, with blockages reported at 15 locations. Additionally, four connecting bridges on the highway have been destroyed. Thousands of feet of timber intended for construction have also been carried away by the floodwaters.
Efforts are currently under way to relocate hundreds of stranded tourists to Chilas city. The Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister has instructed authorities to intensify the search and rescue operations.
The Pakistan Army is leading the rescue efforts and has announced that a helicopter will be deployed if necessary. Emergency rehabilitation of the flood-affected roads is ongoing.
