Diamer, July 22, 2025: Babusar Top experienced an unexpected snowfall in July, marking a rare climate event with temperatures plunging below freezing for the first time in recent history.
The unusual weather disrupted travel and contributed to a worsening situation in Gilgit-Baltistan amid ongoing floods and landslides in the regions.
Authorities closed roads to ensure safety as rescue and clearance operations continue.
Read more: Massive Land Slides and Flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan
Authorities were also forced to shut down the Karakoram Highway and the Chilas Jhalkad road due to extensive flooding and landslides. This cut off vital connections to remote communities.
Federal Minister Amir Muqam issued orders to all relevant agencies, urging them to expedite rescue efforts with full deployment of resources to reach people stranded by the relentless floodwaters.
“All means must be used to evacuate those trapped and provide medical assistance to those injured in accidents caused by the flooding”, the minister said in a statement.
Emergency teams have been focused on delivering immediate relief supplies and setting up medical camps to address the urgent needs in isolated areas.
The floods in Gilgit and Diamer are part of a wider monsoon onslaught that has battered Pakistan since June. It marks one of the country’s most devastating weather events in recent history.
The country’s most populous province was severely affected, with vast agricultural lands submerged, infrastructure destroyed, and over hundreds of thousands displaced.
Read more: Widespread Rain Alert: Urban Flooding and Landslide Risk Looms
Nationwide, the death toll attributed to flooding and associated landslides have now risen above 350, with many more reported missing or injured.
