A devastating Babusar flash flood has left behind a trail of destruction in Gilgit-Baltistan, with multiple lives lost and many tourists stranded in the region. The tragic incident occurred near Babusar Top in Diamer district, where flash floods swept through the area on Sunday. Among the victims was a young child, 3-year-old Abdul Hadi, who was swept away by the powerful floodwaters.
The child’s body was recovered on Wednesday evening, three days after the incident, near Dassar, several kilometers from the site of the flash flood. Local residents spotted the body and immediately informed authorities. The Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts recovered Abdul Hadi’s body from a nearby drain and transported it to a hospital in Chilas. His grieving family had returned to Chilas to collect his body after several days of searching.
Tragically, Abdul Hadi’s mother, Dr. Mashal Fatima, and her brother-in-law, Fahad Islam, also lost their lives in the Babusar flash flood. Fahad Islam had attempted to save Abdul Hadi and his aunt but was unable to survive the rushing waters. The bodies of Dr. Mashal and Fahad were flown to Lodhran for burial.
The flash flood, caused by intense monsoon rains, has wreaked havoc across the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials confirming the recovery of at least six bodies so far. Eighteen tourists remain missing, and search efforts continue despite difficult conditions, including inclement weather and landslides. These landslides have blocked key roads, such as the Karakoram Highway and the Gilgit-Skardu Road, leaving thousands of tourists stranded with vehicles trapped in long queues.
The weather has also delayed the deployment of a C-130 aircraft that was intended to assist in the rescue operation. Meanwhile, emergency services are working tirelessly to clear blocked roads and provide aid to those affected. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister has assured that the search and rescue operations will continue, and road access will be restored within three to four days.
In addition to the Babusar flash flood, related weather events in Astore and Thor valleys have claimed at least three more lives, including a woman. Floodwaters have caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and mosques. Over 50 houses have been destroyed in Diamer Valley, and authorities have declared several areas, including parts of the Babusar Highway, as disaster-hit zones.
The ongoing devastation serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of flash floods and the urgent need for continued relief efforts in affected regions.
In other news read more about Lodhran Doctor and Family Killed in Tragic Flash Flood at Babusar Top
