18 People Lose Lives in Sudden Floods in Northern Pakistan

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⚠️ Deadly Floods and Landslides Hit GB and KP: 18 Dead, Dozens Missing

🌧️ Overview of the Disaster

Heavy monsoon rains, cloudbursts, and landslides have caused severe flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The disaster has claimed at least 18 lives, left many tourists stranded, and damaged roads, homes, and infrastructure.

🚨 Babusar Top Tragedy: Tourists Swept Away

In GB’s Diamer district, flooding near Babusar Top led to the death of at least five tourists, while 15 others remain missing.

  • Eight tourist vehicles were swept away by floodwaters in the Thak area.

  • Three bodies have been recovered so far.

  • Rescue operations involving army helicopters and local teams are still underway.:

🆘 Rescue Efforts and Local Support

Over 200 stranded tourists have been rescued and taken to Chilas, where they’ve been provided shelter. Many locals opened their homes to help.

  • The Pakistan Army and GB Scouts are using helicopters to search for missing persons.

  • Medical aid, food, and water have been delivered to affected areas.

  • Communication lines and electricity remain down in parts of the region.

🛑 Roads Blocked, Villages Cut Off

  • Karakorum Highway is blocked at several points, cutting off access to dozens of remote villages.

  • Babusar Highway has also been closed and declared an emergency zone by the local administration.

  • Skardu Road has been partially reopened after clearing landslides.

💔 Personal Tragedies: Lodhran Family Loss

A family from Lodhran, including Dr. Saad Islam, was caught in the Babusar floods.

  • His wife, brother, and relatives, including a female doctor, children, and other family members, are among the missing or dead.

  • Dr. Saad survived and is helping with the search.

🏚️ Other Fatalities Across the Country

Flood-related incidents have also been reported in various regions:

  • Swat: 6 dead, including 3 children in Madian and 2 children with their father in Charbagh.

  • Buner: 2 women killed by lightning in Gokand.

  • Bajaur: 2 brothers drowned in Loi Mamond.

  • Sindh & Punjab (Arifwala): 1 death each due to rain-related incidents.

  • Rawalpindi DHA Phase 5: A retired colonel and his daughter were swept away while driving across floodwater.

📡 Communication & Coordination

  • NDMA and local authorities have set up emergency response centers.

  • Tourists and locals are urged to avoid high-altitude or mountainous areas during the ongoing monsoon spell.

  • Optical fiber lines have been damaged, making it difficult for families to contact their loved ones.

🌊 GLOF & Monsoon Alerts Issued

The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) has issued impact-based weather and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alerts.

  • Flash floods are likely in Rivers Swat, Panjkora, Hunza, Shigar, and others.

  • Increased rainfall and melting glaciers are raising flood risks in GB, KP, and Balochistan.

🏛️ Government Response

  • President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed sorrow and ordered immediate relief efforts.

  • The National Highway Authority (NHA) and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) have been tasked with restoring blocked roads.

  • Emergency resources and equipment are being deployed to affected regions.

📞 Emergency Contact

The Diamer district control room is operating 24/7 and can be contacted at:
📞 05812-920181 | 05812-930037


🔚 Final Words

This monsoon disaster is one of the worst in recent years, with widespread loss of life and property. While rescue efforts are ongoing, more rain is expected. Citizens are advised to follow official alerts and avoid travel to mountainous regions.


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