Torrential rains have triggered devastating floods in the Thak Babusar region of Diamer district, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), leaving at least five tourists dead, several others injured, and 15 individuals still missing as rescue operations continue under challenging conditions.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the flooding has caused extensive destruction along the Thak-Babusar route, sweeping away eight tourist vehicles and crippling the area’s road infrastructure. With weather conditions remaining unstable, emergency response teams are in a race against time to locate the missing and assist those stranded.

🚨 Ongoing Rescue Operations Amid Harsh Conditions

So far, three bodies have been recovered, while four injured tourists have been shifted to nearby medical facilities—one in critical condition. Due to landslides and debris-strewn roads, accessibility to affected areas has become increasingly difficult. Hundreds of tourists remain stranded in makeshift shelters, awaiting evacuation.

The Babusar Highway has been blocked at multiple points, isolating villages and severely disrupting communication. Damage to optical fiber lines has further hampered rescue coordination.

🚁 Army Mobilizes Emergency Response in Deosai

In the high-altitude Deosai region, the Pakistan Army has launched helicopter missions to airlift stranded tourists to safety. Passengers are being relocated to safer zones such as Babusar and nearby villages. Restoration of the Skardu Road is also underway, with military engineering teams clearing debris and reopening the route between Sadpara Mountaineering School and Sadpara village.

So far, over 150 meal packs and other essential supplies have been air-dropped to support individuals stuck in remote, flood-hit zones.

🏔️ Thousands Still Stranded, Locals Offer Aid

Thousands of tourists are reported to be trapped in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. In many areas, local residents have stepped up, offering shelter and food to those displaced by the floods. While several have been rescued, others are still waiting for transportation and relief.

In response to the crisis, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has instructed emergency services to utilize all available resources to expedite evacuation and recovery efforts. Roads have been washed away, farmlands damaged, and critical links between communities cut off.

🌧️ Nationwide Flood Crisis Deepens

This disaster in Gilgit-Baltistan follows closely on the heels of severe flooding in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on June 27, where over 75 lives were lost in a sudden surge of the Swat River due to heavy monsoon rains.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued fresh advisories for northern regions, warning of potential landslides in areas including Hunza, Astore, Ghanche, Skardu, Gilgit, and several parts of AJK and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Multiple key roads—such as Jaglot–Skardu Road, Hunza Road, and Kohistan Road—have been flagged as high-risk.

⚠️ Monsoon Death Toll Reaches 221

Nationwide, the death toll from ongoing monsoon-related incidents has now reached 221, with five more deaths reported in the last 24 hours alone—including three children. More than 800 homes have been destroyed, and hundreds injured across Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan.

Punjab remains the worst-affected province with 135 fatalities and widespread damage to infrastructure.

🆘 Call for Preparedness and Support

As climate-related disasters become increasingly frequent, officials urge citizens to avoid non-essential travel to mountainous areas and remain alert for emergency notifications. The NDMA has requested that provincial governments stay on high alert as relief operations expand.

With lives hanging in the balance and access still limited in remote regions, rescue teams, local communities, and the military continue to work around the clock to bring relief to the thousands affected by this humanitarian crisis.