Over 200 Stranded Tourists Rescued Amid Flash Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT-BALTISTAN, July 22, 2025 : In a dramatic rescue operation, more than 200 stranded tourists have been safely evacuated from Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan after sudden flash floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains—swept across the region. The situation remains critical, with a state of emergency declared and alerts issued for further landslides across northern Pakistan.

The floods, intensified by a cloudburst, wreaked havoc, especially in the Babusar area, where several roads, homes, and key infrastructure were destroyed. Officials confirmed that five people have lost their lives, while rescue efforts are still underway to find others reported missing.

Emergency Operations and Military Assistance

Local administration, along with the Pakistan Army, acted swiftly to conduct rescue and relief operations. DC Diamer Attaullah Kakar confirmed that the tourists, after being stranded for hours, were moved to Chilas, where they received shelter in hotels and guest houses.

“Most of them are now in touch with their families,” he said.

SSP Abdul Hameed mentioned that around 20–30 people from different cities are still unaccounted for. The Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) has been assisting by airlifting supplies and medical help to the affected zones.

Babusar Road Closed, State of Emergency Declared

The flooding severely damaged the Thack-Babusar Road, prompting a full suspension of tourist movement between Zero Point and Babusar Top. A formal notice has advised all travelers and residents to evacuate immediately and avoid using the road until it is declared safe.

To speed up recovery efforts, the district magistrate has directed six private companies to dispatch excavators for road clearing and recovery of possible bodies.

An emergency control room is now operational 24/7 and can be reached at 05812-920181 and 05812-930037.

Infrastructure Damage and Local Heroism

According to local sources and aid workers, at least 30 vehicles were washed away, and more than 50 houses have sustained damage. The flooding also destroyed a wheat depot, a girls’ school, a police checkpoint, four bridges, two mosques, and a windmill.

Despite these losses, many stranded individuals were rescued by local volunteers, showcasing once again the community spirit of the people of GB.

Skardu Floods: Hundreds Rescued Overnight

In Skardu, flash floods hit the Sadpara and Kharmang areas. Three individuals were injured in Sadpara village.

According to the Baltistan Division Police, over 400 tourist vehicles were trapped on the Sadpara-Deosai route. The police and rescue teams managed to restore blocked routes overnight and transported stranded people safely to Skardu.

Heavy rains also led to flooding in Barge Nullah, Dhagyol Nullah, and Shagri Bala Nullah, damaging homes, roads, and crops in the surrounding areas.

NDMA Issues Landslide Alert for Northern Pakistan

With more rain forecast, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a landslide warning for various northern areas including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, and Ghanche in GB; Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Poonch, and Bagh in AJK; as well as Chitral, Dir, and Kohistan in KP.

Several key roads, including Kohistan Road, Jaglot Road, and Skardu Road, have been identified as landslide-prone zones.

Citizens are urged to avoid non-essential travel to mountainous regions, and authorities have been told to remain on high alert for any emergency response.

This unfolding crisis underscores the devastating and increasing impact of climate change on Pakistan’s most scenic regions. One Nation Voice stands with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and all rescue workers in this critical time.