Gilgit:
The Gilgit-Baltist Government (GB) declared on Thursday an emergency state in 37 areas devastated by floods throughout the region after sudden cadastrophic floods that charged at least 10 lives, left several missing tourists and caused an estimated RS20 billion in damage.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Origin of Gilgit-Baltist, the designation affected by the disaster has been applied to 12 locations in the District of Diamer, nine in Gilgit, five in Ghizer, four in Skardu, four in Shigar, two in Ghanche and one in Nagar and Kharmang.
“Because of heavy rains during Monzón 2025, some Moucas of the Gilgit district, Ghizer, Nagar, Diamer, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar and Kharmang have been seriously affected by sudden flood,” said the notification issued by the secretary of the start of the start, Syed Ali Asghar.
“People have suffered losses that include the loss of human lives, cattle, damage to houses, infrastructure and permanent crops,” he added. “In the opinion of the Government, the situation guarantees the action under the provision of national calamities (prevention and help law, 1958).”
The affected areas, according to the notification, are: Parri Bangla, Jutal, Danyor, Sultanabad, Bagrote, Sharote, Shikyote, Skarkoi, Hasan Colony Kiu Gilgit in Gilgit; Village de Harchi in Nagar; Biarchi, Thoi, Nazbar, Silpi and Khanchay in Ghizer; Kondus and Haldi Mashabrum subdivision in Ghanche.
Other areas include, Khinner, Botogah, Buner Nallah, Goner Farm, Tatto Raikot, Gushay Darel, Thak Babusar, Charat, Jhottee, Niat Valley, Thore Parika and Shatin Nullah in Diamer; Burgay and Rgiayul in Skardu; Qaimabad, Arinchho and Chutron in Shigar and Torghon Valley in Kharmang.
An emergency has been imposed on all these affected locations to accelerate relief and rescue operations. GB government spokesman Faizullah Faraq confirmed the gloomy toll at a press conference.
“We have tragically lost 10 people, most of whom were tourists who visited the region,” said Faraq. “Four others were injured and received medical help,” he said, adding that rescuers are involved in a desperate search for 10 to 15 tourists who remain missing.
The floods also swept 22 vehicles, said Faraq. In response to the crisis, the government has launched immediate rehabilitation efforts of its own resources, assigning RS440 million for the restoration of the critical infrastructure of water, energy and road.
Help help, including tents, blankets, food and kitchen games, is distributed to displaced families. “The rehabilitation of 509 destroyed houses is underway,” said Faraq, recognizing the immense scale of the coming task. “It’s an important challenge.”
The spokesman concluded with an appeal for federal support, expressing the hope that national leadership would intervene to help victims. “We hope that Pakistan’s prime minister will help heal the victims’ wounds,” said Faraq.
