GILGIT:
The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government on Thursday declared a state of emergency in 37 areas after devastating flash floods left at least 10 people dead most of them tourists injured four others, and swept away over a dozen more who remain missing. Damages are estimated at Rs 20 billion.
According to the Home Department’s notification, Diamer district is the worst hit with 12 disaster-struck locations, followed by nine in Gilgit, five in Ghizer, four each in Skardu and Shigar, two in Ghanche, and one each in Nagar and Kharmang.
Home Secretary Syed Ali Asghar said the floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, have caused widespread destruction to human lives, livestock, homes, infrastructure, and crops. “The situation warrants urgent action under the National Calamities (Prevention and Relief Act, 1958),” he noted.
G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the casualties, adding that 22 vehicles were swept away. “We have tragically lost 10 lives, mostly tourists. Rescue teams are searching for 10 to 15 missing visitors, while the injured are receiving medical care,” he said in a briefing.
In response, the provincial government has allocated Rs440 million for urgent rehabilitation of water, power, and road networks. Relief supplies including tents, blankets, food items, and kitchen sets are being distributed to affected families. Efforts are also underway to rebuild 509 destroyed houses.
Faraq admitted the challenge was “immense” and appealed for federal support, expressing hope that the prime minister would step in to assist the victims and help restore normalcy in the disaster hit region.
