Flash Flood Tragedy in Gilgit-Baltistan: Nine Killed Including Women and Children in Diamer District

Michel July 25, 2025

At least nine people, including two women and two children, tragically lost their lives as devastating flash floods swept through parts of Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan following intense and unexpected rainfall late Wednesday night. The disaster, triggered by what authorities describe as a cloudburst, left widespread destruction in its wake, paralyzing daily life and leaving emergency services scrambling for recovery and rescue operations.

Human Toll of a Sudden Calamity

The victims included families traveling through the region as well as local residents. Among the deceased were Dr. Mishal Fatima, a medical professional, and Fahad Islam, whose bodies were recovered near Thak Babusar and later transported to their hometown in Lodhran, Punjab, where funeral prayers were offered and both were laid to rest.

One of the most heartbreaking casualties was that of five-year-old Abdul Hadi, whose body was also recovered from the Thak Babusar area. He too was from Lodhran and was part of a family visiting the northern areas during the Eid-ul-Adha holiday period.

Two other children were reportedly swept away by strong water currents in the Thore area of Chilas, the district headquarters of Diamer. Rescue workers, assisted by local volunteers, launched search operations in the surrounding valleys and ravines, hoping to recover any remaining victims.

Infrastructure Collapses Under Nature’s Fury

The flash floods, which struck during the night, caught residents and travelers off guard. Torrents of water gushed through roads, valleys, and water channels, washing away vehicles, livestock, and portions of key roads. Several areas became inaccessible due to landslides and water damage, including parts of the Babusar Pass road, a critical route linking Gilgit-Baltistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Local sources reported that markets, residential buildings, agricultural fields, power houses, and even graveyards were submerged or badly damaged in multiple localities. Entire link roads were washed away, and several small bridges collapsed under the pressure of floodwaters.

In many areas, communication lines were severed, leaving villages cut off from district centers. Authorities have since dispatched heavy machinery to clear debris and restore access, but continued rains and unstable terrain are hampering progress.

Emergency Response and Government Action

Emergency response teams from the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) and Pakistan Army were dispatched shortly after the incident to conduct search-and-rescue operations and assist affected communities. Local administration in Diamer has also established temporary relief camps for families who have lost their homes or been displaced by the floods.

Speaking to reporters, a GBDMA official confirmed the death toll and emphasized the ongoing nature of the relief efforts. “This is a large-scale natural disaster, and our teams are working round the clock to reach the affected areas, deliver aid, and assess the full scope of the damage,” the official stated.

The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and vowed that the government would provide financial support and assistance to the bereaved families. “We stand with the people of Diamer in this hour of grief. Our rescue teams are on the ground, and we are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.

Tourist Season Marred by Tragedy

The tragedy comes during the peak tourist season in the northern areas of Pakistan, which draw thousands of visitors each year. Many families had traveled to the region to enjoy the natural beauty and cool weather during the summer holidays and Eid celebrations.

Unfortunately, due to the harsh weather and sudden flooding, several tourists were stranded in high-altitude areas. Local hotels and communities offered shelter to those stuck, while military helicopters were reportedly dispatched to airlift individuals from severely affected spots.

Travel advisories have since been issued, warning tourists to avoid travel to or through Babusar Top, Chilas, and adjoining valleys until further notice. The Meteorological Department has forecast further rain in the coming days, raising concerns about more flash floods or landslides.

A Broader Climate Warning?

This incident adds to the growing list of extreme weather events in Pakistan, which has been increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. Experts have long warned that glacial melt, erratic monsoons, and deforestation are making the northern regions more susceptible to such deadly floods and landslides.

Environmental organizations have called for better preparedness, early warning systems, and infrastructure planning in areas prone to natural hazards. The Diamer tragedy, they argue, should be a wake-up call to policymakers and communities alike.

Final Thoughts

The tragedy in Diamer serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictability and power of nature, especially in a region as ecologically fragile as Gilgit-Baltistan. While emergency operations continue and the community grieves its losses, this event underlines the urgent need for climate resilience, investment in disaster management, and stronger safeguards for both residents and visitors in Pakistan’s mountainous north.

Reference:   گلگت بلتستان:2بچوں2خواتین سمیت دیامیر میں 9 افراد بارشوں سے جاں بحق

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