Flash floods continue to batter Astore, travelers stranded

GILGIT: Torrential rains have unleashed flash floods across Astore, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands, and leaving many residents and travelers stranded.

The unprecedented downpour has wreaked havoc across the region, particularly affecting the Astore-Gurikot road, which was completely blocked at five different locations by floodwaters late Thursday night, according to Rescue 1122 Media Coordinator Wazir Asad Ali.

The floods have severely impacted the area’s agricultural sector, with standing crops and trees destroyed, leaving local farmers devastated. In the Eidgah area, three houses were reported damaged, and the village of Bluen saw significant agricultural losses. The floods also inflicted severe infrastructure damage, with the main Astore road up to the Bolen area temporarily restored for traffic. However, the road remains closed at Fina due to damage sustained by bridges in the area.

Particularly hard hit was the bridge connecting Astore to Fina, which was completely destroyed. The wooden structure was washed away, and one side of the adjacent RCC bridge suffered severe damage, further isolating the area. Rescue teams have been working to evacuate stranded individuals, including tourists and patients, using a temporary stair structure at the Fina Bridge.

Wazir Asad Ali further revealed that the ongoing floods, which have persisted for three weeks, have gravely affected the Pakora and Kashwant areas, where two children tragically lost their lives. In total, at least 44 houses, a private school, and a mosque have suffered varying degrees of damage, ranging from minimal to complete destruction. Displaced residents are currently taking shelter with relatives, in Imambargahs, and in tents provided by the authorities.

In the Marglum area, significant damage was reported to standing crops and fruit trees, and a house. The threat of further flooding has left local farmers in a state of fear, with many concerned about the safety of their homes. The village of Pakora has also suffered irreparable damage to agricultural lands and trees, while in Mominabad, local farmers have reported severe losses to their lands, as well as the destruction of a private fish farm, resulting in the death of rare fish worth millions.

Additionally, the kitchen and boundary walls of a private hotel in Pakora were damaged, and the gate of a private hotel was severely impacted, with floodwaters entering the hotel rooms. The flood victims have appealed to philanthropists for immediate assistance, as the scale of destruction continues to unfold.

‘KASHWANT NO LONGER SAFE FOR HABITATION’

Gilgit-Baltistan’s Interior Minister, Shams Lone, visited the flood-affected village of Kashwant. The residents of Kashwant informed the minister of the destruction caused by the floodwaters, emphasizing that they do not need flour bags or tents from the government but demand permanent relocation to a safer place, as their current location is no longer secure. They also requested an immediate relief package for the families of the two deceased individuals.

Shams Lone assured the affected residents that the Gilgit-Baltistan government stands with them during this difficult time and will make every effort to assist in their rehabilitation. He acknowledged the tragic loss of two young children and confirmed that the government will provide a special death package for the bereaved families, in line with its policies. He noted that although tents and other emergency supplies have already been provided, the area is no longer safe for habitation.

The minister promised to convey the residents’ demand for relocation to the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, who is scheduled to visit the flood-affected areas of Kashwant, Pakora, Ramkha, and Mashke on August 28. During his visit, the Chief Minister is expected to meet with the affected residents and announce significant measures to address the damages and provide necessary support.

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