The Gilgit-Baltistan government (GB) has declared 37 locations affected by floods as areas affected by calamity and imposed an emergency to administer the crisis, authorities said Thursday.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Origin of the region, the affected areas include 12 diamer sites, nine in Gilgit, four each in Skardu and Shigar, five in Ghizer, two in Ghanche and one in Nagar and Kharmang. “The emergency has been applied in all these areas,” said notification.
Faizullah Firaq, spokesman for the GB Government, said floods have caused an estimated loss of RS20 billion. At least 10 people have died, most of them tourists and four others were injured and provided medical help.
“There are still between 10 and 15 tourists, and search operations are underway,” said Firaq, adding that 22 vehicles were swept into floods.
He said that the Government has begun rehabilitation efforts using its own resources, launching projects worth RS440 million focused on water supply, electricity restoration and connection road repair.
Relief supplies, including tents, blankets, food and kitchen games, have already been distributed among the affected population, he added.
“The restoration of 509 destroyed houses remains an important challenge,” said the spokesman. “We hope that Pakistan’s prime minister extends support and helps heal the injuries of the victims.”
The region, known for its natural beauty and tourism, has seen an increase in climate -related disasters in recent years, with sudden floods and outbursts of the increasingly common glacial lakes.
