ISLAMABAD: At least nine people have died, and several others have been injured as heavy rainfall-induced floods and landslides continue to devastate Gilgit Baltistan (GB), officials confirmed on Friday.
The unprecedented weather events, caused by climate change, have intensified across GB, particularly following a cloudburst that triggered severe floods in the Babusar area of Diamer district and Naran.
These floods swept away several people and caused widespread damage, leaving many stranded in affected areas. Following the flood event, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a landslide warning for northern Pakistan, further exacerbating the region’s challenges.
According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, at least nine individuals, including two women and two children, have tragically lost their lives as a result of the floods and landslides. In addition, Faraq stated that approximately 12-14 people may still be missing, and their search is ongoing. Over a dozen individuals have been reported injured in the floods, which have wreaked havoc across the region.
“More than 300 tourists who were stranded due to the floods have been rescued,” said Faraq. However, he added that rescue operations have proven difficult due to the continuing floods and landslides.
The infrastructure damage caused by the floodwaters is significant, with Faraq revealing that over 500 houses were destroyed, as well as about 12 kilometers of roads. At least 27 bridges and 22 vehicles were also swept away by the deluge, along with numerous shops, cattle sheds, and timber logs.
The Pakistan Army and GB scouts have been actively involved in rescue and search operations, supporting efforts to aid the affected communities. “We are also working to restore water and electricity to thousands of people who are now without these essential services due to the damage caused by the floods,” Faraq explained.
Additionally, search operations are continuing in Gujar Khan, where a 17-year-old boy, Arman, was swept away by fast-moving floodwaters on Wednesday while attempting to cross a nullah.
Rescue 1122 teams, along with divers, have searched a 12-kilometer radius from the site of the incident, but without success. District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi Sibghatullah confirmed that the victim’s family expressed satisfaction with the ongoing rescue efforts.
On Thursday, the family of the deceased blocked Rawalpindi’s Grand Trunk Road in protest, as the rescue teams had not recovered the boy’s body. The victim’s relatives shared that two of them had attempted to save Arman but were unable to due to the strong current of the floodwaters. The tragic incident highlights the growing danger of flash floods, which are increasingly becoming a threat in various regions of the country.
As the recovery and relief efforts continue, authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain cautious as additional rainfall is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, officials are working on ensuring the provision of basic necessities to those displaced by the floods, with significant infrastructure rehabilitation efforts planned for the coming months.
