In a devastating turn of events, eight tourist vehicles were swept away by a sudden flood in the Ghizer de Gilgit Babusar Pass area. The disaster, triggered by the increase in water levels, landslides and heavy floods, led to the loss of at least three lives, with more than 15 individuals still missing.
According to Express News, the Babusar road, which crosses the pass, was seriously affected after the sudden floods hit the area. The increase in water levels, combined with landslides and the overflow of river water, has led to general destruction.
While flooding waters crowded, eight vehicles carrying tourists were swept away. The rescue teams managed to save four individuals, but the bodies of three others were recovered from the wreckage. More than 15 tourists remain missing and a large research operation is underway.
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Faizullah Faraq, government spokesperson for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), confirmed that one of the rescued tourists was in critical condition. The situation was disastrous, the region’s communication network has disrupted, leaving thousands of tourists blocked without contact with their families.
“The communication system has been seriously affected, and many tourists are stuck without any way to go home,” added Faraq. He also noted that hundreds of blocked tourists had been saved by local residents and offered shelter.
In response to the crisis, the GB government has mobilized all the resources available to help the rescue operation and provide assistance to the affected areas.
The rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the missing people and provide emergency assistance to people blocked in the region. Meanwhile, local authorities coordinate with neighboring communities to offer shelter to those who need it.
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Meanwhile, in the Swat district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, five children tragically lost their lives in two separate incidents linked to the rain.
Rescue officials reported that three children died when a roof collapsed under strong precipitation, while two others were swept away by a drain of rainwater. The 1122 rescue teams always carry out research and rescue operations in the affected areas.
The chief minister of KP, Ali Amin Gandapur, expressed his pain because of the tragic loss and presented condolences to the bereaved families. He prayed for the souls of the missing and urged the force for the bereaved, assuring that the provincial government stands with them during this difficult period.
