SKARDU: A destructive cloudburst struck the Khandus area of Skardu, triggering flash floods that destroyed at least 49 homes, 20 shops, two mosques, and vital infrastructure including a key connecting bridge, leaving the region isolated and several people including tourists stranded.
This devastating event comes just two days after similar cloudbursts caused deadly floods and landslides in Diamer, claiming the lives of a doctor from Lodhran, his brother-in-law, and father-in-law. His son remains missing.
In Subdivision Daghoni, a house roof collapsed due to heavy rainfall, tragically killing a young girl trapped under debris. Rescue operations are ongoing but are being hindered by rugged terrain and damaged communication lines.
Over 200 stranded tourists have been evacuated to Chilas, with local hoteliers and authorities offering free lodging. However, widespread landslides have stranded thousands across Gilgit-Baltistan, with major road links like the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and Babusar Pass partially blocked.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that recent rains across Pakistan have resulted in 252 deaths so far, including 121 children, 85 men, and 46 women. In the last 24 hours alone, 10 more people died and 13 were injured. Punjab recorded the highest fatalities (139), followed by KP (60), Sindh (24), and Balochistan (16).
Efforts are underway to restore communication services and reopen key routes, while authorities continue search and rescue operations in affected areas.
