Heavy Rainfall Causes Widespread Travel Disruptions and Flood Damage in Gilgit‑Baltistan

Heavy rainfall in Gilgit‑Baltistan triggered extensive travel disruptions across the mountainous region, with flash floods and landslides washing away roads and bridges, stranding thousands of residents and tourists.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast continued rain and warned of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit‑Baltistan through July 26.

Floodwaters blocked the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road, Baltistan Road, Naltar Highway, Ghizer‑Shandur Road, Astore Valley Road and other routes linking remote areas, leaving thousands—including tourists—stranded at several locations.

The GB Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported that the Karakoram Highway was blocked at several points between Dassu and the Hunza and Nagar districts.

Ongoing flooding at multiple sites hampered relief and rehabilitation efforts, and many areas remained isolated as bridges and connecting roads were washed away.

In Skardu, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area of Rondu subdivision destroyed at least three key communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge.

Floods also severely damaged roads, communication bridges, farmland, crops and infrastructure across Kharmang, Ghanche and Shigar districts.

Suspension bridges and power houses were damaged by the floods in Haramosh.

Electricity and water supply systems were disrupted, suspending communication services in Astore, Tangir, Thore and other areas of Diamer.

Furthermore, drinking water schemes, irrigation channels and protective embankments were destroyed, while several villages were cut off from one another.

Dozens of families in Losala village of Astore, Thore Valley, Tangir in Diamer and other areas were rendered homeless as a result of floods and landslides.

Across Ghizer district, temporary road blockages, localised flooding and partial damage to two houses were reported. As a precautionary measure, vulnerable communities were evacuated to designated safe locations.

Rising water levels in the Hunza-Nagar River have placed eight households in Gilgit’s Jutal area at risk.

In Ghizer, river erosion has damaged agricultural land and non‑fruit trees in Yasin Valley, Sheliabad, Amit and surrounding areas, while the Ghizer‑Shandur and Ghizer‑Gilgit roads remain blocked.

Authorities have advised passengers and tourists to refrain from unnecessary travel in the region.

A GBDMA statement noted that rising river and stream levels had damaged homes, roads, bridges, crops and agricultural land.

The GBDMA, district administration, Rescue 1122 and other agencies are jointly conducting relief operations, according to the statement.

As of Thursday, affected families were being relocated to safer sites, and the distribution of tents, rations, medicines and clean drinking water was underway.

The GBDMA reported that relief items—including tents, food, medicines and other essential supplies—had been provided to affected people.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain directed authorities to accelerate relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas.

CM Hussain instructed all concerned departments and the district administration to remain on alert around the clock to safeguard lives and property.

He directed the food and health departments to ensure an uninterrupted supply of rations, clean drinking water, tents, medicines and other essential items in the affected areas.

Orders were issued to immediately mobilise heavy machinery for emergency repairs of infrastructure, bridges and main and secondary roads damaged by flash floods, and to restore traffic.

The GBDMA and district administration were directed to stay proactive, maintaining close coordination with the NDMA, in dealing with the emergency.

The CM said the provincial government would not abandon the people during this difficult time.

“Rehabilitation of the victims and all possible assistance will be ensured by utilizing all available resources,” he added.

He directed all concerned commissioners and deputy commissioners to conduct field inspections themselves and submit daily monitoring reports on relief activities to the CM’s Secretariat.

Earlier, CM Hussain visited the NDMA headquarters in Islamabad and met NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik and other senior officials to discuss the current situation.

According to a statement, the NDMA chairman briefed CM Hussain on the authority’s ongoing initiatives to reduce disaster risk, strengthen preparedness and improve emergency response nationwide, especially in Gilgit‑Baltistan.

The NDMA chairman said modern scientific and technological systems are being used to issue timely early warnings in disaster‑prone areas, while relief and rehabilitation activities are coordinated with relevant institutions after natural disasters.

He further informed the chief minister that glaciers in Gilgit‑Baltistan are continuously monitored using advanced scientific methods, each assigned a unique identification code to track movement, size and potential risks.

CM Hussain said glaciers in Gilgit‑Baltistan are Pakistan’s largest natural source of freshwater and emphasized that their protection, effective monitoring and sustainable management must remain national priorities.

He praised the NDMA’s automation, scientific monitoring and technology‑based systems, expressing confidence that these measures will further strengthen disaster preparedness, especially in Gilgit‑Baltistan.

He said the Government of Gilgit‑Baltistan would further strengthen its institutional cooperation with the NDMA to develop a coordinated and effective disaster risk management strategy.

The chief minister emphasised that climate‑change impacts have become a reality, making Gilgit‑Baltistan one of the most affected regions with rising risks of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides.

He stressed that climate‑related challenges should be prioritized in all national forums and called for coordinated efforts by federal and provincial institutions, together with all relevant stakeholders, to protect communities, infrastructure and natural resources.

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