Relentless monsoon rains have triggered deadly flash floods in the Babusar region of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, killing at least three tourists, injuring four, and leaving 15 others missing. The floods swept away eight tourist vehicles and buried several people under debris. Rescue teams recovered three bodies and transported four injured individuals to a hospital in Chilas, where one is in critical condition.
Widespread communication breakdowns occurred as fibre optic lines were damaged, stranding thousands of tourists. Local residents have sheltered many of the rescued individuals. According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, the region’s chief minister has directed authorities to use all available resources to assist victims. Several parts of the Babusar Highway remain closed due to road and farmland damage.
In Naran’s Jalkhad area, heavy rain caused landslides, blocking roads with rocks and mud. A vehicle was reportedly trapped, but no injuries or damages have been confirmed. The National Highways Authority is working to clear the road with heavy machinery, while Rescue 1122 has deployed an ambulance to the site.
Authorities had previously warned of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, advising locals and tourists to stay away from rivers and streams.
Separately, in Swat’s Madyan area, three children were killed and their mother critically injured when their house’s roof collapsed during a rainstorm. The tragedy occurred in Gujjar Banda, with all victims taken to Civil Hospital Madyan. Doctors confirmed the children’s deaths, while the mother remains in serious condition.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast continued monsoon activity in the province through July 25. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expects rain and thunderstorms across Malakand, Hazara, southern Punjab, Sindh, eastern Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Cities in southern Punjab like Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan are likely to see more rainfall, with humid and partly cloudy weather prevailing
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