Flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan causes widespread damage

GILGIT: Floods triggered by a cloudburst and torrential monsoon rains continue to batter large parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, unleashing severe flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Floodwaters surged across the region, breaking traditional flood patterns and causing unprecedented destruction. Local residents of Shikot, one of the worst-hit areas, reported massive devastation to farmland, water channels, and roads. The floodwaters also disrupted vital transportation routes.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, a resident of Shikiot, spoke to HUM News English about the impact of floods on his community. “Our agricultural lands have been destroyed, crops are lost, and homes have suffered significant damage. Thankfully, there have been no casualties,” he said.

Ahmed explained that the flood did not follow the usual stream but was triggered by heavy rainfall in nearby mountains, directing the water toward populated areas.

“The water gathered and spread across multiple points, flooding the village and submerging everything in its path. At least hundreds of acres of agricultural land, seven to eight houses have been completely destroyed, and several others partially damaged,” he added.

The situation in Gulapur Bairchi, Ghizer, is equally dire, with floodwaters wiping out crops, homes, roads, and essential infrastructure. The destruction has left locals facing severe financial losses, making emergency relief efforts urgently needed.

Affected residents have called on the Gilgit-Baltistan government, district administrations, and welfare organizations to expedite relief operations.

The Ghizer-Shandur Road, an essential route, has been blocked at the Bargo Padi area, with severe damage caused to the road. One vehicle and several motorcycles were trapped due to the flooding.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 said that they have been working tirelessly to provide first aid to the injured. Four individuals with minor injuries were treated at the site by medical teams. Rescue operations remain on high alert in the areas of Shikiot, Sharoot, and Bargo in Gilgit. Emergency teams are also stationed along the Gilgit-Shandur Road and are on standby in case further evacuations are required.

Landsliding alert issued in northern areas

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a landsliding alert for the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The areas identified include Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ganche, Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, Bagh, and surrounding regions in Kashmir.

According to the NDMA, the roads in the region, such as the Upper Kohistan Road (200–240 km), Diamer-Astore Road (340–380 km), and the Gilgit Road (400 km), as well as areas near the Karakoram Highway, are particularly vulnerable to landslides. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert to potential roadblocks and further disasters.