Gilgit-Baltistan is facing one of its most devastating climate disasters as heavy rains triggered flash floods, sweeping through scenic tourist areas and stranding hundreds. In a massive rescue effort, more than 200 trapped tourists were rescued amid GB floods, while authorities now warn of severe landslide risks across northern Pakistan. The scale of the destruction highlights the urgent threat posed by climate change.
Massive Rescue Operation in Diamer as Tourists Airlifted and Sheltered
More than 200 stranded tourists were rescued amid GB floods in the Diamer district after flash floods ripped through the Babusar area. According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the rescued tourists were safely relocated to Chilas, where they were provided shelter in hotels and guest houses. Families of the tourists have now been contacted after hours of distress.
Tragically, at least five people lost their lives, with four confirmed dead and 20–30 more potentially missing, as per Diamer officials and SSP Abdul Hameed. The Pakistan Army’s Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) was deployed with helicopters to evacuate tourists and deliver essential medical aid and food. Rescue teams continue their search for the missing.
The scenic Babusar Road remains blocked, and restoration is underway. Over 30 vehicles were swept away, a wheat depot, girls’ school, police checkpoint, and multiple bridges were destroyed, showing the true scale of the destruction.
Landslide Alert Issued Across Northern Pakistan
As the Rescued Amid GB Floods operations continue, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sounded a landslide alert for various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Heavy rain continues to batter the region, increasing the chances of road blockages and further isolation of mountainous communities.
Key roads including Jaglot-Skardu Road, Hunza Road, Kohistan Road, and others have been flagged as highly susceptible to landslides. The NDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous areas and urged local authorities to stay on high alert.
The situation is particularly grim in Skardu and Kharmang, where flash floods entered homes, damaged infrastructure, and stranded hundreds. In Deosai, over 400 tourist vehicles were stuck after floods closed off ten road points. Luckily, all trapped individuals have been rescued by police and rescue units after overnight road repairs.
Monsoon Mayhem: 234 Deaths Nationwide and Rising
The flood crisis isn’t just limited to GB. Monsoon rains since June 26 have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, with 234 deaths and 596 injuries reported. Punjab has suffered the most, recording 135 fatalities. KP followed with 56 deaths, and other provinces have also reported damage and loss of life.
In Rawalpindi’s DHA, a retired colonel and his daughter went missing when their car was swept away by floodwaters, with rescue teams still searching. Across the country, over 826 homes have been damaged, and 203 livestock have been lost. Most of the deaths have occurred due to collapsing homes.
This year’s climate-driven floods underline the urgency of sustainable planning and early warning systems, as GB becomes a tragic example of how extreme weather events can uproot lives and destroy vital infrastructure in hours.
