Nine Dead, Dozens Missing as Climate Disasters Ravage GB

News Desk

Islamabad: At least nine people have died and dozens are feared missing as a series of climate-induced disasters battered Gilgit-Baltistan over the past two weeks, causing widespread destruction across the mountainous region.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza said that extreme weather events including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, landslides, and heatwaves have devastated key districts, particularly Diamer and Astore.

“From June 10 till now, we have confirmed nine fatalities eight in Thak and Thor valleys of Diamer and one in Astore,” said Mirza.

He added that GLOFs, driven by rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, are becoming increasingly frequent, compounding the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

The chief secretary revealed that over 200 homes had been damaged, key roads and water channels disrupted, and several villages — including in Kharmang — completely cut off following the collapse of bridges and other infrastructure.

“All 10 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan have been affected to varying degrees, but Diamer remains the hardest hit,” he said.

Emergency response operations have been launched in coordination with the Pakistan Army, GB Scouts, Rescue 1122, and local volunteers. Several stranded tourists were airlifted from remote locations using army helicopters.

Mirza noted that despite regular travel advisories, public response remains lacking. “People tend not to alter their travel plans until the threat becomes imminent,” he warned.

He cautioned that the death toll could rise further, as recovery efforts continue and several vehicles remain unaccounted for. “We fear another four to five bodies may be recovered in the coming days,” he added.

Meanwhile, across the country, at least six more people were reported dead and five injured in the past 24 hours due to rain-related incidents, bringing Pakistan’s nationwide monsoon death toll to 258, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Among the latest casualties, three deaths and five injuries occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Islamabad and Sindh each reported one fatality.

The NDMA reported that among the total deceased are 89 men, 46 women, and 123 children. The injured include 243 men, 170 women, and 203 children — reflecting the severe human cost of the ongoing weather emergency.

Heavy rains have also inflicted extensive damage to property and livestock. In the past 24 hours alone, 22 homes were destroyed and 36 livestock animals killed. Since the start of the monsoon season, 1,027 houses have been demolished and 364 animals lost nationwide.

Additional input from Geo News website.