Hope fades for missing flood victims as search ends in Diamer

WEB DESK: After two-weeks of rescue efforts, authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) have officially called off the search operation in the flood-hit Thak Nullah area of Babusar in Diamer district, extinguishing all remaining hopes of recovering survivors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also arrived today to assess the damage and facilitate the flood victims.

As per spokesperson for the G-B government, Faizullah Faraq, all individuals who went missing after being swept away by the devastating flash flood are now presumed dead. “All hopes of finding the missing persons alive have ended,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Among the missing was private TV anchor Shabana Liaqat, who disappeared along with her husband, children, and several others during the deluge. Despite exhaustive efforts, no trace of the victims has been found.

The region was battered by powerful flash floods earlier this month, which washed away vehicles, homes, and lives. The ferocity of the waters, coupled with difficult terrain, hampered rescue efforts. Faraq confirmed that the joint search operation, involving local authorities, volunteers, and rescue teams, has now been concluded. All personnel and equipment have returned.

In a symbolic gesture of closure, absentia funeral prayers (ghaibana namaz-e-janaza) have been held for the missing, many of whom are now mourned as presumed dead.

Gilgit-Baltistan floods: Rescue efforts continue, disaster areas declared

Late July, devastating flash floods had struck the Ishkoman Valley in Ghizer district, damaging 64 homes across eight villages, including Faizabad and Daudabad. According to G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, 22 houses were destroyed and 42 partially damaged, while shops, farmland, schools, and infrastructure were also swept away. CM Gulbar Khan declared several areas disaster zones and launched immediate rescue and relief operations. Emergency control rooms were activated, and residents were urged to avoid low-lying areas amid fresh rain alerts. A compensation survey was completed, with the government pledging financial aid and reaffirming its commitment to supporting flood-affected communities.