SKARDU: A powerful cloudburst triggered a flash flood in the Khandus area of Skardu, causing widespread devastation and leaving numerous people, including tourists, stranded. Local sources reported that the deluge completely destroyed 49 houses, 20 shops, and two mosques. The region’s communication network has collapsed, and a key bridge was swept away, cutting off ground access.
In Subdivision Daghoni, heavy rains led to the tragic death of a young girl after a house roof caved in. Rescue efforts are underway but are being hampered by the difficult terrain and damaged communication infrastructure.
This disaster follows a similar incident just two days earlier in Diamer district, where cloudbursts caused deadly floods and landslides. A doctor from Lodhran, his brother-in-law, and father-in-law lost their lives, and his son remains missing.
Over 200 stranded tourists have been successfully evacuated and relocated to Chilas by rescue teams. In Diamer, landslides destroyed an 8-kilometer road, adding to the region’s isolation.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the recent monsoon rains have claimed 252 lives nationwide—among them 121 children, 85 men, and 46 women. Ten more deaths and 13 injuries were reported in the past 24 hours alone.
Meanwhile, landslides have left thousands stranded across Gilgit-Baltistan, including on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Fiber optic damage has disrupted mobile and internet services.
KKH remains blocked in Kohistan, though traffic within GB has resumed in parts. Evacuated tourists from Babusar have been safely moved to Chilas, where they’ve received free accommodation.
