ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Alliance News) — A sudden cloudburst triggered a devastating flood emergency along the Babusar Road in Gilgit-Baltistan, leaving three people dead and one injured.
The bodies and the injured were shifted to the Regional Headquarters Hospital (RHQ) in Chilas, while rescue teams worked round the clock to evacuate stranded tourists to safety.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the incident occurred around 3:30 PM on Monday between the Jal and Diyung stretch of Babusar Road, affecting an estimated 7 to 8 kilometers of terrain.
The flash flood caused extensive destruction in the area, creating 14 to 15 major blockages due to landslides, rockfalls, and heavy debris.
Emergency responders, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police Diamer, reached the affected site but were only able to access the midpoint due to large boulders obstructing the path. The remaining road sections were deemed inaccessible, hampering further ground response.
Authorities arranged transport from the Girls Degree College and local police to evacuate tourists stranded along the route. The rescued tourists were relocated to hotels and safe shelters in Chilas.
Despite the swift evacuation operation, Babusar Road remains completely blocked, and clearing operations are underway. Meanwhile, the Karakoram Highway (KKH) is also closed at key points including Lal Parhi and Tatha Pani. Officials confirmed that 10 to 15 vehicles are still stuck in nallahs and areas impacted by slides.
NDMA and district administration teams are continuing with search, rescue, and clearance operations in the region.
Travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected areas until further notice.
