Key Takeaways
- Torrential rains caused widespread travel disruptions in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Floods blocked major routes including the Karakoram Highway, leaving thousands stranded.
- GB Disaster Management Authority reported damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure.
Torrential rains have caused significant disruption across Gilgit-Baltistan as flash floods and landslides washed away roads and bridges. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings of potential glacial lake outburst floods until July 26, heightening concerns among residents and tourists.
The Karakoram Highway (KKH), a vital route connecting various remote areas, was blocked at multiple sections from Dassu to Hunza and Nagar districts. This blockage has left thousands of people, including tourists, stranded in different locations. In Skardu, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area washed away three important communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge.
In addition to infrastructure damage, continuous flooding has disrupted relief and rehabilitation activities. Many areas remain disconnected from surrounding regions as bridges and connecting roads were destroyed. The GBDMA reported that electricity and water supply systems were also affected in Astore, Tangir, Thore, and other areas of Diamer, suspending communication services.
Dozens of families in Losala village of Astore, Thore Valley, and Tangir in Diamer were rendered homeless due to floods and landslides. In Ghizer district, river erosion damaged agricultural land and non-fruit trees in Yasin Valley, Sheliabad, Amit, and other areas. The Ghizer-Shandur and Ghizer-Gilgit roads remain blocked.
As a precautionary measure, vulnerable communities were evacuated to designated safe locations. Authorities have advised passengers and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in the region due to rising water levels in rivers and streams that have damaged homes, roads, bridges, crops, and agricultural land.
The GBDMA issued a statement saying that relief activities are underway with joint efforts from district administration, Rescue 1122, and other agencies. As of Thursday, affected families were being shifted to safer locations, while the process of providing tents, rations, medicines, and clean drinking water was ongoing.
The GBDMA reported damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure in various areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. The situation remains critical as floodwaters continue to pose a threat to local communities and their livelihoods.
