Punjab Braces for Heavy Monsoon as Flash Floods Devastate GB, Dozens Missing

News Desk

Islamabad: As Punjab faces flood alerts amid forecasts of heavy monsoon rains till July 25, a devastating flood disaster has struck Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly along the Babusar Highway, where flash floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts have left at least three people dead, 15 injured, and over 30 tourists missing.

According to the Gilgit-Baltistan government, among the deceased are Mashal Fatima and Fahad Islam, both residents of Lodhran. The injured have been shifted to the Regional Hospital in Chilas, where an emergency has been declared.

Roads Swept Away, Tourists Missing

Officials report that over 15 vehicles, including vans carrying tourists from Sahiwal, were swept away by the floods, and more than 8 kilometers of the Babusar Highway have been destroyed. Road access remains blocked at 14 to 20 locations in the Diamer district, affecting both the Babusar and Karakoram highways. The Karakoram Highway has been blocked at Tatta Pani and Lal Pahari due to heavy debris and flooding.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Rescue operations are in full swing. Diamer Deputy Commissioner Attaur Rehman, during a media briefing, confirmed that the cloudburst occurred around 3:30 pm and triggered landslides across a 7 to 8-kilometer stretch. “Our teams are working non-stop to find missing persons and clear blocked roads,” he said.

He added that local residents have opened their homes to stranded tourists, while others have been moved to nearby schools for shelter.

Communication Disrupted, Tourism Hit

The natural disaster has also crippled communication infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan, making rescue coordination difficult. Thousands of tourists remain stranded in the region, although officials say that hundreds have already been rescued.

Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq said medical assistance is being provided to the injured, and additional machinery is being sent from Naran to support ongoing relief efforts. He added that tourists from Sahiwal have been shifted to safer locations.

Relief Measures

In response, the GB government has started distributing ration packets and tents in affected areas, including parts of Ghizer and Baltistan. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has directed officials to use all available resources to expedite rescue operations and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.

NDMA Issues Public Advisory

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a public advisory, warning citizens against unnecessary travel to flood-affected areas. The NDMA is coordinating with local authorities to restore road connectivity and monitor the ongoing crisis.

As Punjab braces for more rains in the coming days, authorities remain on high alert, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issuing flood warnings for rivers and streams across the province.