CHILAS: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has successfully rescued all 250 tourists stranded on Babusar Road, relocating them safely to Chilas. However, a search operation is still underway to locate individuals who remain missing, government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq confirmed to Geo News on Wednesday.
Firaq added that rescue efforts on Deosai had also been completed, and those trapped in the area were evacuated. Both the Silk Road and Babusar Road remain closed to traffic following flash floods caused by intense rainfall in the Diamer district.
At least five people, including four tourists, have died, and around 15 are still missing after the region was hit by severe weather. A cloudburst at Babusar Top—one of Diamer’s key tourist destinations—caused landslides, trapping scores of tourists and injuring several.
Travellers have been strongly advised to postpone any trips to Gilgit-Baltistan until conditions improve. The Silk Route is only open for small vehicles, while Naran and Kaghan remain completely inaccessible. Local hoteliers, along with the government, are offering free accommodation to affected tourists.
The Karakoram Highway has again been blocked at two locations, leaving many travellers stranded. Restoration work on the Silk Road toward Bisham is ongoing. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan is expected to visit the Babusar flood-hit areas today.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has issued warnings of further flooding, glacial lake outbursts, and landslides as monsoon rains persist across the country until July 25. Northern areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan and upper KP, face high risks due to rain-fed streams and swollen rivers. The authority urged citizens to avoid crossing waterlogged roads and streams.
Local administrations have been directed to keep heavy machinery and dewatering pumps on standby for emergency response. Rainfall is forecast across Punjab, KP, Sindh, Balochistan, GB, and AJK over the coming days.
