At least 9 dead as floods, landslides continue to ravage GB

GILGIT: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has confirmed that recent flash floods in the region have claimed at least nine lives, including two women and two children, while 10 to 12 individuals remain missing amid ongoing rescue efforts.

GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq said the devastating floods have wreaked havoc across multiple districts, particularly Diamer, which suffered the most in terms of human and material losses.

So far, 500 homes have been destroyed, and more than 12 kilometers of roads have been washed away by the floods in the region.

Additionally, 27 bridges and 22 vehicles were swept away in the torrential waters. Numerous shops, cattle sheds, and thousands of feet of valuable construction timber were also lost in the floods.

The disaster has left 12 people injured, while over 300 stranded travelers and tourists have been successfully rescued. The Pakistan Army, along with GB Scouts, played a vital role in the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Firaq noted that search operations are still underway for the missing persons, but persistent landslides and powerful water currents are hindering efforts.

The restoration of roads, electricity, and water supply remains a challenge due to continued flooding and debris flow.

Despite the difficulties, the provincial government has assured the public that flood victims will not be left alone, and all possible support will be extended them.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities concerned to expedite the rescue operations in rain and flood-affected areas across the country.

In a statement, he directed to accelerate rehabilitation work on highways, especially Karakoram Highway and Naran-Babusar-Chilas Highway, closed due to landslides.

Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Chief Secretary of Gilgit Baltistan that passengers stranded due to the closure of highways should be provided with all possible facilities including accommodation and food.

He termed the measures to prevent epidemics in flood-affected areas as indispensable.

The premier also advised all line departments including National Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities and disaster management agencies of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to jointly formulate a course of action for the upcoming monsoon spells.

He directed municipal corporations to take the best measures for drainage and sewage to prevent urban flooding.

Expressing grief over loss of life and property due to rains and floods in the country, the prime minister prayed for those who lost their lives in accidents and floods.