Heavy rains and flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Babusar area have left at least five people dead and several others missing, prompting large-scale rescue operations. The cloudburst, which occurred on Monday around 3:30 pm, caused significant damage along a 7-8 kilometer stretch of Babusar Road between Jal and Diyung.

Diamer Deputy Commissioner Atta-ur-Rehman reported that four tourists and one local resident perished. Two of the deceased have been identified, but a three-year-old child remains missing. He stated that only 40% of the damage has been assessed so far.

The flash floods swept away over 30 vehicles, including passenger coasters, with 10-15 believed to be completely destroyed. Landslides completely closed Babusar Road, damaging 7-8 kilometers of roadway and destroying four bridges. Two mosques and over 50 houses were also destroyed. The deluge also damaged electricity infrastructure and fiber optic lines, disrupting communications. Many tourists in Thak and Babusar lost contact with their families.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has been working to clear blockages, restoring traffic at multiple locations including near Chilas Bazaar, Zero Point, and Governor Farm. The Karakoram Highway has reopened for one-way traffic at Passu and Jalkhad, with work continuing near Tatta Pani.

The GB government spokesperson, Faizullah Faraq, reported that over 200 stranded tourists have been rescued and brought to Chilas, with local residents assisting in rescue efforts. Hotels in Chilas are providing free accommodation to affected travelers. Rescue operations, hampered by darkness overnight, resumed early Tuesday morning. The Pakistan Army is also involved, using helicopters to evacuate stranded individuals and providing food and medical supplies. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the situation remains critical, with more rain forecast. The search for the missing continues.