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

GILGIT: The death toll from flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan rose to nine as a search for missing tourists was underway after heavy rains battered the region, an official said on Friday.

In a statement, G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that nine people – including two women and two children – have lost their lives in the recent floods and landslides across the region.

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Faraq said the number of missing individuals swept away by floodwater “could be around 12-14”. He said that rescue teams were facing significant challenges due to continuing landslides and dangerously high-water levels across multiple districts. The spokesperson said more than a dozen people were reported injured in the floods.

“In total, more than 500 houses have been destroyed due to the floods and about 12 kilometres of roads have been destroyed as well, primarily in the hardest-hit Diamer district,” he said while detailing the property damage caused by floods and landslides.

Faraq said 27 bridges and 22 vehicles, along with countless shops, cattle sheds, and logs of timber were also destroyed by the floodwaters across the region.

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“Rescue efforts led by the Pakistan Army and G-B Scouts have successfully evacuated more than 300 stranded tourists and local residents from flood-ravaged areas,” he said.

However, Faraq warned that the ongoing severe weather conditions continue to pose significant challenges to both search operations and relief efforts.

He assured that the GB government is fully mobilized to address the crisis, with efforts underway to restore water and electricity for thousands affected by damaged infrastructure. “We will not abandon our people in this time of need,” Faraq added.

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Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Abrar Mirza, while briefing the media, said that due to heavy rains and cloudbursts, the situation was alarming not only in Diamer but also in other districts of the region, including Skardu, Astore, Ghizer, and Hunza.

“The government is taking immediate rehabilitation measures in affected areas,” he said while commending the efforts from Pakistan Army, FWO, Rescue 1122, district administration, and local volunteers.

Mirza said special measures had been implemented for rescue operations along with providing food, shelter, medicines, and medical facilities in flood-hit areas.

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He emphasized that emergency work was underway to restore road infrastructure, evacuate stranded people, search for missing persons, and transport the injured to hospitals.

Mirza noted that incidents of heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have been increasing in various parts of GB in recent years, which experts attribute to climate change. Responding to a question about early warning systems and the non-functionality of the Glof-II project, the Chief Secretary said these would be reviewed. “The government will take comprehensive measures to protect these areas from natural disasters considering changing climatic patterns,” he added.

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