Massive flash floods ravage Gilgit-Baltistan again

GILGIT: There has been no let-up in climate change-induced floods in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), as a massive flash flood in Juchar Nullah, Gulmit, Gojal in Upper Hunza damaged local properties and a bridge on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) on Tuesday.

The flood washed away thousands of trees, irrigation channels, link roads, a famous women-owned restaurant, a government tourist facilitation center, a bridge on KKH, and other infrastructures.

More than 50 locals working on the restoration of water channels narrowly escaped the flood.

A similar flash flood in Baltin Bar Nullah in Shishkat Upper Hunza caused partial damage to the KKH.

G-B government spokesman Faizullah Faraq said that floods caused “devastation” in Gulmit, Gojal, as boulders repeatedly fell on the KKH.

“The Hunza administration has been directed to speed up relief operations in the affected area,” he added.

Faraq said that due to the blockage of KKH, several passengers were stuck, adding that restoration work would start soon.

Similarly, he said, floodwater hit agricultural land and swept away trees in Shigar. “Gilgit-Baltistan region is facing the worst flooding devastation.”

Glacial lake outburst flood in Horchas Nullah

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Horchas Nullah in Alchori area of Shigar district caused a flood that changed its course, damaging standing crops and blocking the road to K2.

The floodwater severely damaged standing crops, trees, and other infrastructure.

Deputy Commissioner Shigar Arif Hussain and Communication and Works Department Executive Engineer Zakawat Ali visited the affected areas and directed immediate protective measures to divert the floodwaters and reopen the road to K2.

Road blockade causes food shortage

Meanwhile, the blockade of the Ghizer-Shandur Road has caused shortages of edible items and petroleum products in the upper areas of Gupis-Yasin, the additional district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

A vital artery linking Tehsil Phander to other parts of the region has been rendered impassable due to recent flash flooding.

While talking to the media, Additional Deputy Commissioner Gupis–Yasin Sher Afzal said the Ghizer-Shandur Road at Kutum, Gupis, is expected to open for light traffic within a week, with 40% of the work remaining and night shifts being introduced to speed up progress.

Floods claim 25 lives

The ongoing floods and related disasters have claimed 25 lives in the region, and the damage to infrastructure is estimated at over Rs 20 billion.

وہ پانی لینے گئے تھے
اور کفن میں لوٹ آئے

دنیور کے سات بیٹے منوگاہ نالے کے بے رحم پانیوں میں اپنی جان ہار بیٹھے۔ ٹوٹا ہوا آبی چینل 15-20 دن گزرنے کے باوجود حکومت نے نہ بنایا، تو وہ خود نکلے بغیر معاوضے، بغیر تحفظ، صرف امید کے سہارے نکلے
پہاڑی تودہ ان پر ٹوٹ پڑا، پھر بھی مدد کے… pic.twitter.com/TslrODKoA2

— Sajid usmani (@sajidusmani787) August 12, 2025

On Sunday night, at least seven volunteers were killed, and three others were injured when a landslide struck during repair work in Danyore Nullah.

They were working to restore a water channel damaged by recent floods when the incident occurred.

NDMA chief briefs PM about early warning system in G-B

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for advance alerts for residents of areas vulnerable during the monsoon season.

In a meeting with the PM, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, briefed him on the progress “toward making the early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan fully operational and enhancing cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change in this regard.”

Also Read: Climate change: Over half of Europe, Mediterranean basin hit by drought

“The NDMA should further strengthen its coordination with the provinces for assistance and rehabilitation of victims of the recent rains and flooding,” a statement released by the PM Office quoted Sharif as saying during the meeting.

“People in vulnerable areas must be given advance alerts in view of weather conditions and possible emergencies,” he added. During the briefing, the NDMA also updated the Prime Minister on relief operations for recent rain and flood victims and preparedness for any future emergencies.