Pakistan’s unfolding disaster: Thousands trapped due to landslides

ISLAMABAD: Deadly floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains disrupted northern and central Pakistan, killing scores, washing away vehicles and homes, and blocking key roads, officials informed on Monday.

In Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltsitan, three tourists died and four were injured after flash floods struck popular tourist sites Babusar and Thak on Monday afternoon, local authorities said.

Read more: Five killed, 15 missing as flash floods hit Babusar-Thak Road

More than 15 people remain missing, and thousands of tourists became stranded as the flood damaged communication lines and blocked access roads.

The Deputy Commissioner Atta-ur-Rehman Kakar said the Chilas-Jalkhad road was closed at 14 to 15 points due to landslides, with about 10 to 15 vehicles swept away.

25 houses were also destroyed but no local residents lost their lives so far.

Meanwhile, a landslide on Chhra Gali Bustal Link Road in Murree blocked traffic after trapping two vehicles under fallen trees. Rescue officials said the road remained fully closed while clearance teams worked to remove debris.

In Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, floods and lightning claimed three lives, including a mother and daughter who drowned in floodwaters in the Gokand area.

Another person was swept away in floodwaters in Chagharzi Shamnal. Flooding caused power outages after water entered an electricity grid station. Floodwaters affected several homes and shops, including near the Police Station Pirbaba, authorities reported.

The Karakoram Highway was also closed at several points due to landslides and flooding.

National Highway Authority (NHA) teams deployed heavy machinery while they work in difficult weather to restore access; while also coordinating closely with the local administration.

The Chairman NHA said that efforts to reopen the highway continued despite the weather conditions.

Read more: Two doctors among five killed in flash floods on Babusar-Thak Road

In Chakwal district, authorities converted schools into temporary shelters and advised residents near rainwater drains to move to safer areas as heavy rains persisted. The monsoon season in Pakistan has led to repeated flooding and landslides in recent years. It is posing ongoing risks to life, infrastructure and economic activity, especially in vulnerable mountainous areas.