Flash Floods Devastate Gilgit-Baltistan: 3 Dead, Over 30 Tourists Missing as Rescue Operations Intensify

Over 15 vehicles — including several vans carrying tourists from Sahiwal — were swept away in the floodwaters.

By DTD- On Jul 22, 2025

GILGIT – A powerful natural disaster has struck Gilgit-Baltistan, where flash floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts along the Babusar Highway have resulted in at least three confirmed deaths, 15 injuries, and more than 30 tourists reported missing. The disaster has caused widespread destruction and severely disrupted travel and communication across the region.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan government officials, the deceased include a woman, Mashal Fatima, and a man, Fahad Islam, both residents of Lodhran. The injured have been moved to Regional Hospital Chilas, where an emergency has been declared to handle the influx of patients.

Vehicles Swept Away, Roads Severely Damaged
Over 15 vehicles — including several vans carrying tourists from Sahiwal — were swept away in the floodwaters. Officials report that more than 8 kilometers of the Babusar Highway have been destroyed, and both the Babusar and Karakoram highways are blocked at multiple points in Diamer district. The Karakoram Highway is particularly impassable at Tatta Pani and Lal Pahari due to heavy debris and water flow.

Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Harsh Conditions
Deputy Commissioner Diamer, Attaur Rehman, confirmed that the flash floods, which began around 3:30 pm, caused landslides across a 7–8 km stretch. “Our rescue teams and heavy machinery are working non-stop to recover the missing and clear road access,” he said. Local residents have opened their homes to stranded tourists, while many have been relocated to nearby schools for shelter.

Thousands Stranded, Tourism Hit Hard
Thousands of tourists remain stranded in the region due to impassable roads and disrupted communication infrastructure. However, authorities confirm that hundreds have been rescued so far. Faizullah Firaq, spokesperson for the GB government, said injured tourists are receiving medical attention and additional relief machinery has been dispatched from Naran.

Relief Supplies Mobilized, Public Urged to Avoid Travel
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has begun distributing emergency relief items including food rations and tents in affected areas, such as Ghizer and parts of Baltistan. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has directed all departments to mobilize resources and expedite rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a travel advisory, warning the public to avoid non-essential travel to flood-affected regions. NDMA continues to coordinate with local authorities to restore connectivity and monitor the evolving disaster situation.

As search and rescue operations continue, the region remains on high alert, with officials racing against time to locate missing individuals and provide relief to those affected by the floods.