Flash floods wreak havoc in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Flash floods triggered by severe thunderstorms have caused significant damage in the Sermik nullah area of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, affecting at least a dozen homes and destroying hundreds of kanals of land, crops, and trees.

The floods, which occurred on Tuesday around 12:15 pm, disrupted road links in the Doro, Kawarako, and Longma areas. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. According to residents, the sudden floods created widespread panic in the affected areas. The rushing waters, laden with debris, wood, animals, stones, and mud, obliterated several shops and homes, and crops were buried under the debris.

Electricity supply to Skardu city has been completely halted. The Water & Power Division Skardu stated, “The power supply has been suspended due to debris filling the tanks of Power House Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV.” This disruption is expected to cause power outages in Skardu city for several days.

“Restoration efforts have commenced under the supervision of Executive Engineer Power Division Muhammad Younus,” the statement added. The roads connecting the Baltistan region with Gilgit and Astore are also blocked due to floods. Near Ayub Bridge in Baghardo, floodwaters have caused severe damage and blocked the Gilgit-Skardu Road to all types of traffic. Cleanup efforts have begun to restore road access.

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Upon receiving reports of flooding in Doro, Skardu, Deputy Commissioner Skardu Captain (R) Tayyab Sami Khan took notice and dispatched Assistant Commissioner Skardu Ishrat Fatima and Assistant Director District Disaster Management Authority to the flood-affected area. Additionally, relief supplies were sent to Doro to assess the damage and expedite the relief efforts. The Communication and Works Department, the Electricity Department, and other relevant departments have also been instructed to reach Doro with their teams to address the damages caused by the flood swiftly.

In the Gilgit region, electricity supply to Gilgit city and surrounding areas has been halted as Naltar power stations were shut down as a precautionary measure.

A spokesperson for the Water & Power Division Gilgit said, “The recent flooding and surge in Naltar nullah caused the intake channels of the 18 MW Naltar Power House to fill with a large amount of mud, stones, and silt, leading to the suspension of power supply to Gilgit city. Since last night, the department has been working with two excavators to clear the intake channels. He said all possible measures were being taken to restore power supply to the city today.

Similarly, severe rainfall has caused multiple landslides on Bagrot Road, blocking various sections and disrupting travel for residents. The landslides have also damaged several electric poles, resulting in a power outage in the area.

Furthermore, the Babusar-Naran route has been disrupted at Kaghan Mahandri due to a flood that swept away a bridge. Consequently, the traffic from Balakot to Naran sector has been halted, and all traffic has been diverted to the Karakoram Highway at the Zero Point Chilas. Travelers and tourists are advised to use the Karakoram Highway and adhere strictly to the travel advisory to avoid any inconvenience. For route updates, they are encouraged to contact the Diamer Police Control Room.

SP Diamer Captain (R) Sardar Muhammad Shehryar Khan PSP urged travelers to follow the advisory for a safe journey.

Local authorities are on high alert, and efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore normalcy. The community has been advised to stay cautious and report any further incidents to the authorities immediately.