Islamabad: The devastating impact of monsoon rains continues across Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reporting 10 more fatalities in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the search for 15 missing tourists swept away by flash floods in Babusar remains unsuccessful.
According to the NDMA’s latest report, the monsoon rains from June 26 to July 23 have caused widespread destruction. In the last 24 hours alone, 10 people lost their lives, and 13 were injured. The total death toll has now reached 252, with 611 injured nationwide. Among the deceased are 121 children, 85 men, and 46 women.
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Provincial Breakdown of Casualties
- Punjab: 139 dead, 477 injured (highest toll)
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): 60 dead, 74 injured
- Sindh: 24 dead, 40 injured
- Balochistan: 16 dead, 4 injured
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 6 dead, 15 tourists missing
- Azad Kashmir: 2 dead
- Islamabad: 6 dead
The rains have also damaged 1,005 homes, destroyed 12 bridges, and swept away 328 livestock.
Tourists Missing in Babusar Tragedy
In Diamer district, 15 tourists, including members of a Lodhran-based doctor’s family, remain missing after their vehicle was caught in a sudden flash flood triggered by a cloudburst. The incident occurred near the Naran-Babusar Road, where an 8-kilometer stretch has been severely damaged.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Farooq confirmed the disappearance of 10-15 tourists. A joint rescue operation involving the district administration, police, volunteers, and the Pakistan Army is underway. Some stranded tourists have been safely relocated to Chilas, while efforts continue to reopen blocked highways, including the Karakoram and Silk Routes.
Infrastructure and Agricultural Losses
Flash floods and landslides have devastated roads, homes, and crops in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Ghizer, Astore, and Thor Valley. The Babusar Road is severely damaged, and multiple highways remain blocked, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.
In Ghanche district, rising water levels in the Shyok, Hushe, and other rivers have submerged villages, destroyed homes, and wiped out crops. Over 50 houses, two mosques, a community center, and a dispensary were buried under debris in Kandos Shugo Grung village.
Weather Warnings and Urban Flooding
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rains, thunderstorms, and potential flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, KP, Islamabad, Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan. Landslides may further disrupt traffic in hilly regions.
Urban flooding has also hit Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and other Punjab cities, with power outages reported in low-lying areas.
Appeal for Relief
Affected communities have urged the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to visit disaster-hit areas and expedite compensation for rebuilding homes.
Authorities are working to restore infrastructure and provide shelter, but with more rains predicted, the situation remains critical. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as Pakistan battles one of the deadliest monsoon seasons in recent years.
