GILGIT-BALTISTAN (July 27, 2025) – A powerful flash flood triggered by intense rainfall and a cloudburst in the Thak area near Babusar Pass has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and left over 15 tourists missing, officials confirmed on Saturday.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), eight tourist vehicles were swept away by the floodwaters late Thursday night as monsoon rains intensified across the region. The force of the water and subsequent landslides severely disrupted roads, electricity, and telecommunication infrastructure in the Diamer District.
Rescue operations are being led by the GBDMA in coordination with the Pakistan Army, GB Scouts, and local volunteers. Authorities have deployed trained sniffer dogs, helicopters, and heavy machinery to assist in locating the missing individuals. So far, multiple bodies have been recovered, while the search continues for those still unaccounted for.
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Spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, Faizullah Faraq, stated, “The operation will continue without pause until the last missing person is found. We are deploying all available resources.”
Over 200 stranded tourists have been successfully evacuated from the affected areas and provided temporary shelter by the army and local residents. Food, medical aid, and emergency supplies are being delivered on-site.
In addition to human loss, the region’s infrastructure has been heavily impacted. Landslides damaged fiber optic cables, electricity poles, and key roadways leading to Babusar and adjoining valleys. Road clearance operations are ongoing to restore access and communication.
The incident follows an alarming pattern this monsoon season, with 82% more rainfall recorded compared to the same period last year. Environmental experts attribute the increased frequency of flash floods and landslides to climate change, glacier melting, and deforestation in the northern regions.
READ MORE: Car Carrying Father-Daughter Swept Away in Islamabad Flood
National disaster response authorities have issued alerts for further glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), urging tourists to remain vigilant and avoid travel to high-risk zones during peak rainfall periods.
As of this report, families of the missing tourists continue to wait anxiously for updates. Social media platforms have been flooded with appeals and photographs of loved ones, seeking any information on their whereabouts.
Authorities are appealing to the public to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and to cooperate with emergency response teams working under dangerous and challenging conditions.
