A sudden cloudburst turned Babusar Top into a disaster zone on Monday. The flash floods and landslides killed three tourists and left 15 others missing. This tragedy in Gilgit-Baltistan shocked families and stranded travellers.
The cloudburst unleashed floods along a 7 to 8-kilometre stretch. It blocked roads in nearly 15 spots. Huge rocks and mudslides cut off access, while strong currents swept away more than 15 vehicles. Some cars still remain trapped under debris.
Rescue teams quickly moved into action. They recovered three bodies and shifted many stranded tourists to safer places. “Affected tourists have been moved to safe shelters in Chilas,” said an NDMA spokesperson.
Doctors are treating one injured person at the Regional Headquarters Hospital. However, massive boulders still block many routes, making access extremely difficult.
The Karakoram Highway also remains closed at Lal Pahari and Tatta Pani. The floods have damaged the road severely, and repair work will take some time. Meanwhile, NDMA teams continue monitoring the situation closely.
Officials have warned travellers to avoid unnecessary trips to Kohistan. In addition, local administrations are on high alert and taking precautionary measures.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the identities of two victims: Mashal Fatima from Lodhran and Farhat Islam from Bahawalpur. Authorities have declared an emergency at Chilas Hospital to handle the crisis.
Meanwhile, the GB government has started distributing food and tents to affected families. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock. They are clearing roads and looking for the missing, while anxious families wait for news of their loved ones.
This disaster reminds us how quickly nature can change in the mountains. Travellers need to stay alert and check weather updates before starting their journeys.
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