200 stranded tourists rescued in G-B after flash floods

A cloudburst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district triggered landslides and a sudden flash flood, bringing the death toll to five so far while at least 200 stranded tourists were rescued after the flash floods, caused by heavy rainfall, trapped them.

According to a local government spokesperson at least 200 stranded tourists were rescued from flash floods while Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the death toll has risen to five, including four tourists and one local resident.

“Three bodies were received at the Regional Headquarters Hospital (RHQ) in Chilas, while one injured person remains under treatment, ” stated Diamer district administration.

The cloudburst struck between Jal and Diyung, causing widespread damage. Authorities reported 14 to 15 major blockages due to debris, boulders, landslides, and sudden flooding, severely disrupting travel and emergency access.

Pak Army’s Rescue and Relief Operation

The Pakistan Army’s helicopter rescue and relief operation continues for tourists and travelers stranded due to recent floods on Babusar Road and the Karakoram Highway, Express News reported.

The Army has successfully evacuated tourists and travelers using helicopters, transferring them to safe locations. So far, 15 sorties have been carried out to transport tourists and travelers to safer areas.

Several areas from Thalichi to Chilas have been cleared, while road clearance work is ongoing in Tatta Pani and Jali Pur. Three points on the Gandalo Nala remain blocked, and heavy machinery has been dispatched for relief operations.

Rescue operations led by local authorities evacuated stranded tourists from various points. Transport was arranged through the Girls’ Degree College and the police, relocating the affected individuals to local hotels in Chilas for temporary accommodation.

Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police Diamer visited the affected area and managed to reach the midpoint of the disaster zone. However, the remaining portion was deemed inaccessible due to large boulder deposits and unstable terrain.

Babusar Road remains completely blocked, with no immediate reopening in sight. Meanwhile, parts of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) at Lal Parhi and Tatha Pani are also closed, where 10 to 15 vehicles are reportedly trapped in nallahs and slide-affected areas.

Emergency crews continue operations amid challenging conditions, working to restore access and ensure the safe evacuation of all stranded persons.

Floodwaters caused major disruptions in road connectivity across the region. Emergency efforts to restore the affected routes are underway, according to local authorities.

The NDMA and local administration are closely monitoring the situation, as weather instability remains a concern.

Tourists sheltered by locals

Residents of Sadpara village in Skardu were praised for their exceptional hospitality after they opened their homes and an Imambargah to dozens of stranded tourists caught in flooding near Deosai National Park, local sources confirmed, as reported by Gilgit Baltistan Tourism on X (@GBTourism_)

Torrential rains in Gilgit-Baltistan triggered flooding and road closures, including the Sadpara-Skardu Road, leaving several tourists returning from Deosai stranded without shelter.

In response, the villagers of Sadpara welcomed them into their homes and community spaces overnight. Locals provided food, shelter, and comfort to the stranded travellers, demonstrating what visitors described as “extraordinary warmth and humanity.”

Many tourists expressed deep gratitude, saying they would never forget the generosity shown to them.

Torrential rain causes flash floods in Islamabad

Meanwhile, at least three people, including an 8-year-old girl, were swept away in separate rain-related incidents in Islamabad on Tuesday as torrential downpours triggered flash floods and strong water flow across the city.

In one incident, a 17–18-year-old youth identified as Hamid Shah drowned after slipping into a rainwater drain near Burji Stop in the jurisdiction of Humak Police Station, rescue officials confirmed.

According to sources, he lost his footing due to slippery ground and was swept away by the forceful water flow.

In another case, a man and his daughter were washed away along with their vehicle in a rain-fed stream near Phase 5 of a private housing society.

The victims were identified as Ishaq Qazi and his 25-year-old daughter, who were inside the car when it stalled on a flooded road. The powerful current swept both the vehicle and its occupants into the drain.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed for full support to be provided to people affected by the rains in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.

She has also instructed for the immediate drainage of rain and floodwater and to ensure the safety of the public.

Rescue 1122 teams, along with divers, launched a search and recovery operation at the site.

Separately, in Christian Colony located within the jurisdiction of Khanna Police Station, an 8-year-old girl named Inadiya reportedly fell into a drain. Her search is ongoing, rescue sources said.

President, PM direct swift relief efforts for flood victims

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have ordered immediate assistance and rehabilitation for flood-affected communities across the country, following severe rainfall and flooding.

In separate statements, both leaders instructed the relevant authorities to intensify relief operations in the affected areas.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life due to the rains and floods, both leaders extended condolences to the bereaved families. The prime minister also urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to stay in close contact with provincial governments and ensure full support is provided.

Sharif called for rapid deployment of relief measures to mitigate the suffering of affected populations. He also highlighted the need for thorough preparation in anticipation of potential further challenges in the coming days.

The prime minister additionally directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to accelerate the restoration of highways and other vital roads that have been damaged by the floods.

Authorities have already mobilised teams to clear blocked roads and provide necessary medical aid to flood victims.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens in the wake of the disaster.