Flash floods continue to ravage Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Flash floods continued to wreak havoc across Gilgit-Baltistan, damaging several houses, several shops, and a school in the Ghizer district on Sunday, officials said.

Link roads to the valley have also been cut off. The floods swept away standing crops and cornfields, cherry and apricot orchards, and damaged water channels that supply irrigation and drinking water to many residents.

The district administration has begun relief efforts in the affected areas, dispatching food and other essential supplies.

“On the evening of July 20, 2025, between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM, a sudden flash flood struck the villages of Kanchi and Silpi, located opposite Gahkuch Headquarters. While no casualties have been reported, the flood caused significant damage to homes, livestock shelters, commercial establishments, and public infrastructure,” according to an initial damage assessment shared with HUM News English by Deputy Commissioner Ghizer, Habibur Rehman.

The report stated that three houses were completely destroyed, five were partially damaged, five cattle sheds were damaged, and four shops along with a bakery factory sustained damage.

According to the report, affected individuals have been relocated to two nearby mosques, and relief distribution will begin once road access is restored. The power supply has been successfully reinstated. Rescue 1122 teams have moved affected families to designated safe locations.

“Access to Kanchi village remains impassable due to heavy boulders, extensive road surface damage, and debris at multiple locations. Efforts are ongoing to restore connectivity as soon as possible. We are still at the site,” the report added.

Separately, in Yasin Valley, heavy damage was reported in the areas of Nalti and Ashim Das due to flash floods. A mosque and a DJ School, along with several residential houses, have suffered serious damage.

While talking to HUM News English, Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rehman said that the flood had impacted roads at 12 locations, with one section completely washed away. “Out of the 12 locations, 10 have been cleared, and work is ongoing at the remaining two locations between Kanchi and Silpi,” he said.

“My team is on-site conducting a needs assessment, which will help us provide aid tailored to the affected residents’ requirements for shelter, food, and clean water. The Communications and Works Department is also working to restore the area’s water supply, which is expected to be functional by the evening,” he added.

Regarding the flood in Yasin Valley, he stated that several houses and public infrastructure had been damaged. “The Additional Deputy Commissioner is on the ground with his team. A needs assessment is currently underway, and the situation is under control,” he noted.

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