5 dead in GB cloudburst as landslides strike Babusar Highway

Five people, including four tourists and one local resident, have been confirmed dead following a cloudburst in Gilgit-Baltistan, which triggered landslides along the Babusar Highway, according to a spokesperson for the provincial government.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway. The provincial spokesperson reported that 80 tourists were rescued today alone, and hundreds more have been provided with temporary shelter by the local population.

Many of the stranded tourists have since been relocated to Chilas as part of ongoing relief efforts.

Meanwhile, a local resident who was swept away by floodwaters on the Babusar Highway survived. Witnesses at the scene assisted in the rescue. A video of the incident has since been made available to the public.

Authorities have continued to monitor the situation as further rainfall poses ongoing risks in the region.

It is pertinent to note that a cloudburst in GB has caused extensive damage in the Diamer district, with dozens of houses destroyed, key infrastructure washed away, and several tourists reported missing.

Rescue operations were initially impeded by darkness, but a full-scale search resumed at first light. The spokesperson said that efforts remain ongoing to locate the missing individuals.

The flood has destroyed a girls’ school, two hotels, a windmill, a wheat depot, a police post and a tourist police shelter along the Babusar Highway. More than 50 houses situated near the highway have been completely swept away.

An eight-kilometre stretch of road has sustained severe damage, with blockages reported at 15 locations. Additionally, four connecting bridges on the highway have been destroyed. Thousands of feet of timber intended for construction have also been carried away by the floodwaters.

The Pakistan Army is leading the rescue efforts and has announced that a helicopter will be deployed if necessary. Emergency rehabilitation of the flood-affected roads is ongoing.

President, premier, parliamentary leaders express condolences over flood tragedy

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their condolences following the loss of lives caused by recent rains and floods across the country.

President Zardari has conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and called on relevant authorities to intensify relief efforts in the affected areas. He directed that all possible assistance and rehabilitation services be extended to the victims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to remain in close coordination with provincial governments and relevant departments. He emphasised the need for immediate delivery of relief and instructed all agencies to ensure full preparedness for any potential developments in the coming days. The prime minister has also expressed sorrow over the incident in Islamabad, in which a father and daughter were swept away along with their vehicle, and ordered an intensification of the search operation.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stated that the entire nation stood in solidarity with the affected families and stressed the need for immediate practical measures during this challenging time.

Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan urged provincial governments, the NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA), and local administrations to take effective steps for the support and rehabilitation of those affected.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed grief over the loss of life resulting from flash floods in GB and Islamabad. He underscored the urgency of accelerating relief operations and enhancing preventive measures to avert further tragedies.

Meanwhile, in Gilgit, more than 250 tourists have been transported to Chilas since yesterday.