GB Rescue Operation: Three Died, Search Continues for Missing

ISLAMABAD:-(Mudassar Iqbal) In the aftermath of torrential rains, rescue efforts continue in Gilgit-Baltistan where flash floods struck the picturesque Babusar route, leaving at least five people dead, several injured, and over a dozen still missing.

According to Diamer Deputy Commissioner Atta-ur-Rehman, a sudden cloudburst triggered the flooding in the Babusar region, resulting in the deaths of four tourists and one local resident.

Noting that two of the deceased have been identified and a three-year-old child remains missing, the DC said that only 40% of the losses have been estimated so far.

Meanwhile, officials have said that the flash floods damaged infrastructure and washed away tourist vehicles in the region on Monday.

GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said efforts were being made to trace the missing individuals.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the incident occurred around 3:30pm on Monday when a cloudburst struck the Babusar Road stretch between Jal and Diyung, affecting approximately 7-8 kilometres.

Flooding and a cloudburst in GB’s Diamer district disrupted traffic along key sections of the Karakoram Highway. On the instructions of the Federal Minister for Communications, National Highway Authority (NHA) teams have been actively engaged in clearing blockages.

A spokesperson for the NHA said on Tuesday that traffic has been restored at multiple locations, including near Chilas Bazaar, Zero Point, and Governor Farm.

The highway has also been reopened for one-way traffic at Passu and Jalkhad, while restoration work is ongoing near Tatta Pani. NHA teams worked throughout the night and remain on site until full access is restored. The NHA chairman is personally supervising the operations.

Diamer DC Rehman told the media that machinery is being transported to flood-affected areas, and in some locations it has already arrived.

Rescue operations continue in Gilgit-Baltistan following devastating flash floods triggered by a cloudburst along the scenic Babusar route. At least five people have been confirmed dead, several injured, and more than a dozen remain missing.

Diamer Deputy Commissioner Atta-ur-Rehman confirmed that the injured have been transported to the Regional Headquarters Hospital in ambulances. He added that three bodies have been recovered so far, though it remains unclear whether they were tourists or local residents.

Rehman emphasized the district administration’s commitment to the emergency response, stating that relief efforts, including the distribution of food, water, and other essential supplies, are now underway for those affected.

Widespread Damage

According to police, over 30 vehicles—including passenger coasters—were swept away by the floodwaters, with 10 to 15 completely destroyed. Landslides also caused the full closure of the Babusar Road, washing away four connecting bridges and destroying around 7–8 kilometers of roadway.

Officials reported that two mosques and more than 50 houses were demolished in the deluge. Additionally, key infrastructure such as electricity lines and fiber optic cables sustained significant damage, leading to major communication disruptions. Tourists stranded in Thak and Babusar have lost contact with their families.

Over 200 Tourists Rescued

Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said rescue operations were halted overnight due to darkness but resumed early in the morning. He confirmed that over 200 stranded tourists have since been rescued and brought to Chilas.

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Local residents played a crucial role in assisting rescue efforts. In a show of solidarity, hotels and guest houses in Chilas have opened their doors free of charge to accommodate affected travelers.

Authorities continue to search for the missing as more rain is forecast in the region. The situation remains critical, and all rescue resources are being mobilised.

The Pakistan Army is also taking part in the relief efforts to rescue tourists stranded on Babusar and Karakoram highways.

Army troops evacuated tourists and travellers to safe places by helicopters.

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

Moreover, the military along with GB Scouts teams are providing food items and medical to the affected people.