Fresh flash floods hit G-B; missing child’s body found near Babusar

GILGIT: Torrential rains and flash floods continued to wreak havoc across Gilgit-Baltistan, as more than 80 homes were damaged and scores of residents were displaced on Thursday, according to the spokesperson for the GB government, Faizullah Faraq.

The new floods were reported in Skarkoi, Tangir, Thor, Ghanche and various parts of Baltistan. Faraq said floods triggered by cloudburst damaged around 40 houses,  a dispensary, mosques, agricultural land and crops in Ghanche. He said flash floods in Sikarkoi area of Gilgit damaged several houses and other infrastructure in Dass Mohallah and the surrounding areas in Gilgit.

In Tangir district, the police administration reported that intense rainfall triggered a powerful flash flood that swept through the Jaglot Bazaar area. The floodwaters entered the Tangir Jaglot Police Station, inundating all rooms and offices. According to an official statement, essential police equipment and important documentation were destroyed.

Also read: G-B faces communication disruptions as floods sever fiber optic network

The Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Tangir was also partially damaged, and the record from the Tehsil Office was reportedly washed away. The central power supply has been cut off, plunging the area into darkness. Floodwaters entered dozens of government and private properties. The flood damage several houses, standing crops, shops and other properties.

“Search and relief efforts are facing difficulties due to adverse weather conditions,” said Faizullah Firaq, spokesperson for the GB government.

The spokesperson added that relief operations have been accelerated across the province following Chief Minister’s visits to the flood-affected areas. “The administration has intensified efforts to reach the affected population with essential supplies including food, medicines, and tents,” he said.

Faraq said KKH was opened for traffic while Babusar road was still closed. He said work was also underway to restore major roads using heavy machinery.

 “Water channels for irrigation and facilities for electricity and clean drinking water are being restored in the impacted villages,” said the government spokesperson.

The government has pledged to compensate the victims and ensure a robust response to the damage caused. “All damages will be addressed, and restoration of public services is a top priority,” the spokesperson added.

Faraq confirmed that the body of a three-year-old boy who had gone missing during flash floods on Babusar Road has been recovered

The deceased child, identified as Abdul Hadi — son of Dr Saad Islam — was among those swept away by floodwaters earlier this week. The total number of bodies recovered from the Babusar floods has now risen to six. While total number of deaths related to floods has risen to 7.

His body was dispatched to Lodhran district in Punjab for burial.

Also read: G-B flood death toll reaches nine; dozen still missing

Deputy Commissioner Diamer Atta-ur-Rehman Kakar, SP Diamer Abdul Hameed, Director Health Dr Abdul Mubeen, and Deputy Superintendent of Chilas Regional Hospital Dr Naseemullah were present at the time of the body’s dispatch from Chilas.

Search and rescue efforts are still underway in the Babusar region, which was hit by sudden cloudburst-triggered floods, sweeping away multiple vehicles and leaving several people missing.