GILGIT: A powerful cloudburst unleashed a devastating flood in the Ishkoman valley of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA).
Flash floods struck eight locations in Faizabad and Dadaabad villages, destroying 22 houses and 18 shops completely. Another 42 houses sustained partial damage, while floodwaters entered an additional 65 homes. The floods also severely affected thousands of kanals of agricultural land, orchards, and forests. Two timber factories, two garages, a Jamaat Khana, and the DJ High School building were also damaged.
Infrastructure damage included a two-kilometer stretch of the main road and a three-kilometer water channel that serviced a local powerhouse. Eighteen irrigation channels, several cattle sheds, and numerous livestock were swept away. Eight motorcycles and six cars were also damaged.
Communication networks have been disrupted after floodwaters hit the water channel for the region’s main power station, further compounding difficulties for rescue and assessment efforts. Many affected families have been relocated to safer locations, while authorities have started preliminary damage evaluations. However, a complete assessment will only be possible once connectivity is restored.
Yaqoob Tai, a local resident, reported that cut-off communication lines have made it difficult to gauge the full extent of the damage. Experts say Gilgit-Baltistan is experiencing a sharp rise in natural disasters this year, including cloudburst-triggered floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and rapid glacier melting.
Recent disasters have claimed at least 10 lives and left 12 tourists missing, with Babusar Valley and Thore in Diamer among the worst-hit regions.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh alert, warning of continued rainfall, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy showers in the region, increasing the risk of further GLOFs, flash floods, and landslides. Authorities have been urged to stay vigilant and prepared.
