English Translation and Extended Report (Approx. 800 Words)

Gilgit-Baltistan Under Crisis: Flash Floods Leave 15 Missing in Babusar, Government Urges Tourists to Postpone Travel

Gilgit-Baltistan continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating flash floods that struck the region following intense monsoon rains. According to official statements, between 10 to 15 individuals remain missing after being swept away by powerful floodwaters near Babusar Top, a popular tourist destination connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa via the Babusar Pass.

Government Issues Strong Advisory for Tourists

Spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, Faizullah Faraq, while speaking to Geo News during their morning program Geo Pakistan, appealed to domestic and foreign tourists not to travel to Gilgit-Baltistan until conditions stabilize. He emphasized that the region has suffered significant damage due to continuous rains and subsequent flooding.

“Tourists are requested to avoid traveling to Gilgit-Baltistan until the situation returns to normal. We are doing everything possible for rescue and relief, but the terrain and weather are extremely challenging,” said Faizullah Faraq.

Rescue Operations Underway

Despite the dangerous conditions, all tourists who were stranded along the Babusar highway have been successfully rescued. The local government, in collaboration with hotel owners and community leaders, has arranged free temporary accommodation for those affected. However, the fate of several locals and possible tourists swept away by the floods remains unknown.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and emergency services have been deployed across the region, particularly in Diamer, where an official state of emergency has been declared. Teams are battling adverse weather, broken communication links, and destroyed infrastructure in their efforts to locate the missing individuals.

Death Toll Rises, Infrastructure Crippled

The floods have claimed at least five lives so far. The destruction in Babusar and surrounding areas is severe. Initial reports confirm that two hotels, a girls’ school, a police check post, a police shelter, and more than 50 homes near the Babusar Highway have been completely destroyed.

In addition, 8 kilometers of road infrastructure has been critically damaged, and 15 major road segments are currently blocked. The floods also washed away four key connecting bridges, further isolating several communities and complicating relief efforts.

The Karakoram Highway (KKH)—a vital route linking Pakistan with China—has once again been blocked at two major points, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Only the Silk Route (Shahrah-e-Resham) remains partially open for small vehicles, though repair efforts are ongoing to restore the route up to Basham.

Chief Minister to Visit Affected Areas

In a show of concern and leadership, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, is scheduled to visit the flood-affected Babusar region today. His visit aims to review the situation firsthand, oversee rescue operations, and provide moral support to the affected families and emergency teams working on the ground.

Meteorological Department Warns of More Heavy Rain

Adding to the urgency of the situation, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Mr. Mehr Sahibzada Khan, warned that more intense rainfall is expected in Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the coming days.

“There is a high risk of further flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, especially in the mountainous regions around Babusar Top. The public must remain alert, and all unnecessary travel should be postponed,” he told Geo Pakistan.

Lahore Hit by Downpour, Nationwide Alerts Issued

The monsoon system is not confined to the northern areas. In Lahore, the airport area recorded 108 millimeters of rain since early morning. The downpour is expected to continue for another two days, further increasing the risk of urban flooding and traffic disruption.

The PMD has issued a countrywide alert, warning of monsoon-related hazards including landslides, road accidents, uprooting of trees, and flash floods in rivers and streams. Emergency services across all provinces have been placed on high alert to deal with any sudden developments.

Tourists Strongly Advised to Stay Away

As the search for the missing continues and roads remain blocked, authorities are making urgent appeals to travelers and tourists. With multiple weather systems active, and the possibility of more cloudbursts, any travel toward northern regions poses serious risks.

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has assured the public that it is working around the clock to restore normalcy. However, reconstruction of roads, bridges, and public facilities may take weeks depending on the weather.

In the meantime, the administration, aided by the Pakistan Army, local police, and volunteer rescue teams, continues to battle against time and terrain to reach those in need.

Conclusion

The tragic incident in Babusar is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of mountainous regions during monsoon season. While the rescue efforts bring some hope, the loss of life, infrastructure, and the ongoing threat of more rain highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and responsive governance.

Until weather conditions improve and infrastructure is restored, the public is urged to avoid travel to the affected regions and follow official advisories for their own safety.