GILGIT BALTISTAN: In Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy rains and resulting flash floods have caused widespread destruction, leading to the loss of several precious lives. The sudden deluge on the Babusar Road has wreaked havoc in the region.
Aa per detail, most parts of the country are currently experiencing intense monsoon rains, which have triggered urban flooding in cities and flash floods in upper areas, causing significant damage.
Our correspondent from Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghulam Owais, reported that the torrential rains have led to a destructive flash flood on the Babusar Road, which has resulted in the closure of several sections of the highway.he swift currents of the floodwaters on the Babusar Route swept away eight vehicles carrying tourists, with some tourists also losing their lives in the water. Rescue agencies have recovered three bodies so far, while four tourists have been rescued in injured condition and shifted to hospitals. One of the injured is reported to be in critical condition.
According to a rescue spokesperson, over 15 tourists are still missing following the floodwaters. Search and rescue operations have been intensified to locate them. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has directed the authorities to utilize all available resources to assist the victims and recover the missing tourists.
The floods and heavy rainfall have also disrupted communication systems across Gilgit-Baltistan, damaging fiber optic lines and severing contact. Thousands of tourists are still stranded on the Babusar Road, unable to contact their families.
A spokesperson from the Gilgit-Baltistan government stated that local residents have sheltered hundreds of tourists in their homes. Meanwhile, in Skardu, Barge Nala has again been hit by flash floods, injuring three laborers. The floodwaters have also damaged hundreds of acres of surrounding agricultural land through the affected canal systems. The government has called for immediate measures to protect the affected communities from the ongoing floods.
It is worth noting that last month, a sudden flash flood in the River Swat swept away 18 tourists, with 13 losing their lives and five rescued. The body of a child named Abdullah was found 20 days after the incident. All affected individuals belonged to two families.
