Rescue efforts continue near Babusar after heavy flash floods caused devastation in Gilgit-Baltistan. Over 250 stranded tourists have been safely evacuated, but at least 15 people remain missing. Officials confirmed the ongoing search for those swept away by the floods.
Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, said all tourists and passengers trapped on the Babusar Highway have been moved to safety. The rescued individuals are currently staying in Chilas city. Local hotel owners, working with the administration, have provided free accommodation for the evacuees.
The Babusar region has faced severe damage from intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides. Large boulders carried by rushing water caused destruction, especially in Diamer Valley, where more than 50 houses were damaged. The floods have so far claimed five lives.
Apart from Babusar, hundreds of travelers remain stuck on the Karakoram Highway, which is blocked at several points due to the disaster. Faraq mentioned that the highway is closed again at one or two locations, causing thousands of passengers to be stranded at different sites.
Authorities are working hard to clear the road and aim to reopen the Karakoram Highway by dusk. Rescue teams have resumed their operations near Babusar to find the missing individuals. The government has urged people to remain patient as efforts to restore normalcy continue.
This natural disaster highlights the vulnerability of the Babusar area to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue and relief activities to support affected communities and travelers.
The Babusar Highway remains a critical route for tourists and locals alike, making its reopening a priority for the region’s safety and connectivity.
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