Torrential rainfall has caused widespread destruction across Gilgit-Baltistan, disrupting transportation networks as flash floods and landslides washed away roads, bridges, and vital infrastructure in several districts. The extreme weather conditions have left thousands of people, including tourists, stranded as major routes connecting different parts of the mountainous region were blocked. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys due to ongoing risks from floods and landslides. According to officials, several important roads, including the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road, Baltistan Road, Naltar Highway, Ghizer-Shandur Road, and Astore Valley Road, have been affected by flooding and landslides. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported that the Karakoram Highway was blocked at multiple locations between Dassu and the Hunza-Nagar areas, creating difficulties for commuters and relief teams. In Skardu’s Rondu subdivision, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area damaged important communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge. Several roads, agricultural lands, crops, and other infrastructure were also affected in Kharmang, Ghanche, and Shigar districts. Flooding also disrupted electricity and water supply systems in areas including Astore, Tangir, and Thore in Diamer district. Communication services were affected, while irrigation channels, drinking water schemes, and protective structures suffered damage. Several villages were cut off, and dozens of families were forced to leave their homes due to floods and landslides. Authorities moved vulnerable residents to safer locations and started relief operations in affected areas. The situation also affected Ghizer district, where temporary road closures, localized flooding, and damage to houses were reported. Rising water levels in the Hunza-Nagar River increased risks for residents in Gilgit’s Jutal area. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in the region and warned about the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) until July 26. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, district administrations, Rescue 1122, and other departments are working together to provide emergency assistance. Officials said affected families are being provided with tents, food supplies, medicines, and clean drinking water. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to restore damaged roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has directed authorities to speed up relief and rehabilitation activities and remain alert around the clock to protect lives and property. The chief minister also emphasized the need for stronger disaster preparedness, saying that climate change has increased the risks of flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods in the region. Authorities are coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to improve emergency response measures and monitor glacier-related risks through scientific and technological systems. The ongoing situation highlights the growing impact of climate-related disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan, where communities continue to face increasing threats from extreme weather events.
