Highways reopen in G-B; rescue operations underway in Chilas, Babusar

GIGLIT-BALTISTAN: On the instructions of the Federal Minister for Communications, the rehabilitation of highways continues in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), said a statement by the National Highway Authorities (NHA) on Monday. Moreover, rescue operations are also underway in multiple areas, led by the NHA.

Naran-Jhalkhand Highway N-15 affected by landslides has been cleared, the statement said, adding that NHA rehabilitation activities are also underway in Naran to Babusar Top and Chilas.

Skardu to Jaglot Road, which was closed due to landslides, has also been cleared. The NHA personnel removed stones from 20 places. All highways will be fully restored soon, Federal Secretary for Communications said.

RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are underway in Chilas, Babusar and Thak after rains and floods.

A family is missing, and the search and rescue operations are being carried out for them. The missing family includes a woman, three children and their father, the Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said.

He also informed that Diamer Deputy Commissioner visited Thak Nala and assessed the damage. The agricultural land, communication roads and local infrastructure have been damaged.

The Federal Secretary for Communications also visited Babusar Road to Jhal, and issued instructions to expedite search and rescue operations.

Joint search teams in the area include Pak Army (73 Baloch Regiment), GB Scouts, Rescue 1122, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), G-B Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), Tourism department and Local Police, District Administration Diamer representative said.

The search operation has been divided into three teams of agencies involved in the search for the missing persons. Team 1 was sent from Jal Thana to Masjid Huzaifa (Rescue 1122), Team 2 from Masjid Huzaifa to Steel Bridge (GB Scouts and Army), Team 3 from Steel Bridge to Parika Thak for the search.

There are five to 10 feet high layers of debris over an area of 13 kilometers. Sniffer dogs gave a signal at one location, excavation was done but nothing was recovered, District Administration office said.

NB-1 radar, metal detectors and information from local residents are being used to search for the missing persons. He informed that body of a woman was recovered at Thor, which is about 60 km away from the accident site.

Moreover, he said that 84 tents, 84 kitchen sets, 10 food packets, 10 blankets were distributed among the victims. The death toll due to the flood has reached eight, including three locals, while seven people have been confirmed missing so far, but the number is expected to increase, the District Administration officer said.

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