Cloudburst at Babusar Top
A powerful cloudburst struck the scenic Babusar Top region in Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, unleashing torrential rains and landslides that caused widespread devastation. The disaster has claimed the lives of three tourists, while 15 others remain missing, according to rescue officials.
The intense rainfall triggered flash floods and mudslides over a 7 to 8-kilometer stretch, rendering roads impassable at over a dozen points. More than 15 vehicles were swept away in the floodwaters, and several tourists were trapped in the affected zone.
Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of three victims, identified as Mashal Fatima of Lodhran and Farhat Islam of Bahawalpur, while the search for the missing continues. Dozens of stranded tourists have been evacuated to safety, with temporary shelters established in Chilas, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed.
One injured individual is currently receiving treatment at the Regional Headquarters Hospital, where an emergency has been declared to accommodate victims. Access to certain remote areas remains blocked due to massive boulders and debris obstructing key routes.
The Karakoram Highway has been severely affected, with closures reported at Lal Pahari and Tatta Pani, while the Naran-Babusar Highway also remains shut due to landslides. The local administration and NDMA are coordinating closely, and large-scale relief operations are in full swing.
The Pakistan Army and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts have launched extensive rescue missions. Military helicopters have been deployed to evacuate stranded tourists, deliver aid, and assist in the search for missing individuals. Relief supplies—including food packets and tents—are being distributed across affected areas.
Authorities have warned the public to avoid travel toward Kohistan and other flood-prone regions. The district administration has been directed to enforce precautionary measures and ensure the safety of travelers.
In Namb Jhanda Gali village, a massive boulder crushed two homes. Rescue teams, aided by locals, rushed to the scene to assist residents. Meanwhile, landslides along the Chara Gali–Bastal Road in Murree trapped several vehicles; at least 11 people have been rescued, with one hospitalized.
Restoration efforts are underway in multiple regions, including Deosai and Skardu, where infrastructure has been severely impacted. The Deosai–Sadpara road has now reopened, while work continues to restore the Skardu Road and clear debris from key routes.
Under the direction of the Federal Minister for Communications, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has intensified efforts to restore traffic. According to officials, partial traffic flow has resumed in Chilas Bazaar, Zero Point, Pasu, and Jhalkhad, while work near Tatta Pani continues.
The Diamer district was among the worst-hit, with 15 locations severely damaged by the cloudburst. The local deputy commissioner confirmed three fatalities and one critical injury. NHA teams are working around the clock under the direct supervision of the chairman to reopen essential roads and restore full connectivity.
As northern Pakistan continues to face extreme monsoon weather, the situation remains challenging for both residents and tourists, especially during the peak travel season. Rescue operations are expected to continue in the coming days as authorities work to stabilize the region and locate the missing.
