GILGIT:
The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government on Thursday declared a state of emergency in 37 flood-ravaged areas across the region following catastrophic flash floods that claimed at least 10 lives, left several tourists missing, and caused an estimated Rs20 billion in damages.
According to a notification issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Home Department, the disaster-hit designation has been applied to 12 locations in Diamer district, nine in Gilgit, five in Ghizer, four in Skardu, four in Shigar, two in Ghanche, and one each in Nagar and Kharmang.
“On account of heavy rains during Monsoon 2025, some Mouzas of District Gilgit, Ghizer, Nagar, Diamer, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar and Kharmang have been reportedly severely affected by flash flood,” said the notification issued by Home Secretary Syed Ali Asghar.
“People have suffered losses which includes loss of human lives, livestock, damage to houses, infrastructure and standing crops,” it added. “In the opinion of the Government, the situation warrants action under the provision of the National Calamities (Prevention and Relief Act, 1958).”
The affected areas, according to the notification are: Parri Bangla, Jutal, Danyor, Sultanabad, Bagrote, Sharote, Shikyote, Skarkoi, Hasan Colony KIU Gilgit in Gilgit; Harchi village in Nagar; Biarchi, Thoi, Nazbar, Silpi and Khanchay in Ghizer; Kondus and Haldi sub-Division Mashabrum in Ghanche.
other areas include, Khinner, Botogah, Buner Nallah, Goner Farm, Tatto Raikot, Gushay Darel, Thak Babusar, Charat, Jhottee, Niat Valley, Thore Parika and Shatin Nullah in Diamer; Burgay and Rgiayul in Skardu; Qaimabad, Arincho and Chutron in Shigar and Torghon valley in Kharmang.
An emergency has been imposed in all these affected locations to expedite relief and rescue operations. G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the grim toll in a press briefing.
“We have tragically lost 10 people, most of whom were tourists visiting the region,” Faraq stated. “Four others were injured and have been provided with medical aid,” he said, adding that rescuers are engaged in a desperate search for 10 to 15 tourists who remain missing.
Floods also swept away 22 vehicles, Faraq said. In response to the crisis, the government has launched immediate rehabilitation efforts from its own resources, allocating Rs440 million for the restoration of critical water, power, and road infrastructure.
Relief aid, including tents, blankets, food items, and kitchen sets, is being distributed to displaced families. “The rehabilitation of 509 destroyed houses is under way,” Faraq said, acknowledging the immense scale of the task ahead. “It is a significant challenge.”
The spokesperson concluded with an appeal for federal support, expressing the hope that the national leadership would step in to assist the victims. “We hope the Prime Minister of Pakistan will help heal the wounds of the victims,” Faraq said.
