Torrential rains have caused widespread destruction across Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering flash floods and landslides that have washed away roads and bridges. As a result, thousands of residents and tourists remain stranded in different parts of the mountainous region.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rainfall and warned of the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan until July 26.
The ongoing weather emergency has disrupted transportation, damaged critical infrastructure, and intensified relief efforts across several districts.
Major Highways and Roads Remain Blocked
Floodwaters and landslides have blocked several major roads connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of the country.
The affected routes include the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Babusar Road, Baltistan Road, Naltar Highway, Ghizer-Shandur Road, Astore Valley Road, and several other roads leading to remote areas.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), multiple sections of the Karakoram Highway remain blocked from Dassu to Hunza and Nagar districts.
Consequently, travel has become extremely difficult, leaving thousands of people stranded at different locations.
Authorities have advised both residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
Floods Damage Bridges, Homes and Public Infrastructure
Continuous flooding has severely affected relief and rehabilitation activities.
Several areas have become completely disconnected after floodwaters swept away bridges and connecting roads.
In Skardu, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area of Rondu subdivision washed away at least three important communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge.
Furthermore, roads, bridges, farmland, crops, and other infrastructure suffered extensive damage across Kharmang, Ghanche, and Shigar districts.
Floods also damaged suspension bridges and powerhouses in Haramosh, adding to the growing challenges faced by local communities.
Power, Water and Communication Services Disrupted
The heavy rains also disrupted essential public services in several districts.
Electricity and water supply systems were affected in Astore, Tangir, Thore, and other parts of Diamer, causing communication services to remain suspended.
Additionally, drinking water schemes, irrigation channels, and protective embankments were destroyed in several locations.
As a result, numerous villages have become isolated from neighboring communities.
Dozens of families in Losala village, Astore, Thore Valley, Tangir, and surrounding areas lost their homes because of floods and landslides.
River Erosion Increases Risks Across Ghizer and Gilgit
The disaster has also affected Ghizer district, where temporary road blockages and localized flooding have been reported.
Authorities confirmed partial damage to two houses, while vulnerable communities were evacuated to designated safe locations as a precaution.
At the same time, rising water levels in the Hunza-Nagar River have placed eight households in Jutal, Gilgit, at risk.
River erosion has also damaged agricultural land and non-fruit trees in Yasin Valley, Sheliabad, Amit, and nearby areas.
Meanwhile, the Ghizer-Shandur Road and Ghizer-Gilgit Road remain blocked.
Relief Operations Continue Across Affected Areas
The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, district administration, Rescue 1122, and other emergency agencies are jointly carrying out relief operations.
According to officials, affected families are being shifted to safer locations.
Authorities are also distributing tents, food supplies, medicines, and clean drinking water to flood victims.
The GBDMA confirmed that emergency relief items continue to reach affected communities as rehabilitation efforts expand.
Chief Minister Orders Immediate Relief and Restoration
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has directed all relevant departments to accelerate relief and rehabilitation work.
He instructed district administrations and concerned departments to remain on high alert around the clock to protect lives and property.
Furthermore, he directed the food and health departments to ensure an uninterrupted supply of rations, clean drinking water, medicines, tents, and other essential items.
The chief minister also ordered the immediate deployment of heavy machinery to restore damaged roads, bridges, and transport links.
In addition, he instructed the GBDMA and district administrations to maintain close coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) throughout the emergency.
The chief minister assured flood victims that the regional government would continue supporting affected communities.
“Rehabilitation of the victims and all possible assistance will be ensured by utilising all available resources,” he said.
He also instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to conduct field inspections personally and submit daily monitoring reports to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
NDMA Highlights Glacier Monitoring and Disaster Preparedness
Earlier, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain visited the NDMA headquarters in Islamabad and met NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik to review the evolving flood situation.
During the meeting, NDMA officials briefed him on disaster preparedness measures and ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risks across Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Officials explained that advanced scientific systems are being used to issue timely early warnings in disaster-prone areas.
They also noted that glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan are being continuously monitored using modern scientific methods. Each glacier has been assigned a unique identification code to improve monitoring of its movement, size, and potential risks.
Chief Minister Hussain emphasized that Gilgit-Baltistan’s glaciers are Pakistan’s largest natural freshwater source.
He stressed that protecting glaciers, strengthening monitoring systems, and ensuring sustainable management must remain national priorities.
Moreover, he praised the NDMA’s technology-based monitoring systems and expressed confidence that stronger institutional cooperation would improve disaster preparedness across the region.
The chief minister also highlighted that climate change has become a serious reality for Gilgit-Baltistan.
He warned that the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides continue to increase.
Finally, he called for stronger coordination among federal and provincial institutions to protect vulnerable communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources from future climate-related disasters.
