G-B flash floods leave widespread destruction

According to the latest assessment by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), 60 weather-related incidents have been recorded across the region, causing extensive

GILGIT: Torrential rains have triggered devastating flash floods, mudslides and landslides across Gilgit-Baltistan, leaving a trail of destruction that has damaged hundreds of homes, swept away bridges and disrupted road links in several districts.

According to the latest assessment by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), 60 weather-related incidents have been recorded across the region, causing extensive damage to homes, transport infrastructure and livestock. Officials reported that 184 houses were affected, including 49 completely destroyed and 135 partially damaged. The disasters also washed away nine bridges, damaged nearly eight kilometres of roads and claimed the lives of 68 animals.

Astore emerged as the worst-hit district in terms of housing damage, where more than 80 homes were partially damaged after flash floods and landslides struck the Lous and Doyan Khichik areas. Diamer also suffered significant losses, with 42 houses damaged, including 16 that were completely destroyed in Thore, Buner Dass, Khanbary, Shahi Mahal and Darel.

In Skardu, rising water levels and flash floods destroyed 15 houses and swept away four bridges, the highest number of bridge losses reported in any district. Ghizer witnessed damage to two dozen homes and one bridge due to flash floods, cloudbursts and river erosion, while Ghanche reported damage to 12 houses and the loss of three bridges.

Gilgit district also experienced flooding in several valleys, where eight houses were damaged and around 50 livestock perished, accounting for the highest livestock losses in the region. Although Hunza and Nagar escaped major residential damage, road infrastructure in both districts was affected by flooding and erosion.

Relief efforts are continuing in the affected areas. Emergency supplies, including tents, food packs, kitchen sets, plastic mats and bedding, have been distributed among displaced families in Diamer and Skardu. Authorities have also dispatched additional relief consignments to flood-hit valleys to support affected communities.

Meanwhile, road clearance operations are underway to restore connectivity. Heavy machinery has been deployed to remove landslide debris along the Jaglot-Skardu Road, where restoration work is progressing at multiple locations. Officials said road networks in Ghizer, Hunza, Shiger and Kharmang have been reopened, while emergency teams and equipment remain on high alert as authorities continue monitoring the evolving situation.