At least three people have died and dozens of tourists were stranded after a sudden Cloudburst triggered landslides and sudden floods along a stretch of 7–8 kilometers of Babusar Road in Gilgit-Baltistan, the authorities confirmed on Monday.
#Babusar: Land and flood sliding 7/2/25
15 tourists are missing. 3 died. Approximately 8 tourist vehicles were dragged by sudden floods. The road is almost destroyed in multiple locations. People are requested to avoid unnecessary trips to the #monsoon The period is established … pic.twitter.com/wagcip9vcf– Shaheryar Hassan (@shaheryarhassan) July 21, 2025
According to the administration of the Diamer District, three bodies were received at the Regional Headquarters Hospital (RHQ) in Chilas, while an injured person remains under treatment.
The incident occurred around 3:30 pm, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) declared in a press release.
The cloud hit between Jal and Diyung, causing generalized damage. The authorities reported 14 to 15 main blocks due to rubble, rocks, landslides and sudden floods, severely interrupting trips and emergency access.
Rescue operations led by local authorities evacuated tourists stranded from several points. Transportation was organized through the University of Girls Degree and the Police, relocating the people affected to local hotels in Chillas for temporary accommodation.
The Deputy Commissioner and Police Superintendent Diamer visited the affected area and managed to reach the midpoint of the disaster area.
However, the remaining portion was considered inaccessible due to large rock deposits and unstable land.
Babusar Road remains completely blocked, without an immediate reopening in sight. Meanwhile, parts of the Karakoram road (KKH) in Lal Parhi and Tatha Pani are also closed, where it is reported that 10 to 15 vehicles are trapped in Nallahs and areas affected by the slide.
Emergency teams continue operations in the midst of challenging conditions, working to restore access and guarantee the safe evacuation of all stranded people.
The NDMA and the local administration are closely monitoring the situation, since the instability of the weather remains a concern.
