WEBDESK: Heavy downpours continue in different parts of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other northern and mountainous areas have been hit by floods, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outbursts. These disasters have caused widespread destruction.
Seventeen people have lost their lives in various incidents. They include 8 in Ghizer, 7 in Azad Kashmir, and 2 in Diamer. Many houses, bridges, and roads have been destroyed.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, several areas have been badly affected. In Ghizer district, floods blocked the Ashkoman Road at eight locations. One vehicle was swept away. In Gopis tehsil’s Khalti village, 7 people were caught in floodwaters. Three died.
In Diamer, two people were swept away, and one person is missing in Thoi.
In Skardu, a cloudburst triggered heavy flooding in Burge and Rgyul streams. Villages are at risk, and people are moving to safer places. In Hunza, Nagar, and Skardu, several houses and government buildings were destroyed. Standing crops and orchards were washed away. The Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road, Gilgit-Skardu Road, and many link roads are closed.
In Azad Kashmir, heavy rains and cloudbursts have caused massive damage. In the Sacha area of Nasirabad tehsil, Muzaffarabad, a cloudburst caused severe flooding in a stream. One house was washed away. Six members of the same family died.
In Jhelum Valley, flooding in the Jiyan stream swept away four shops. The bridge over the Machhara stream also collapsed. In Bagh, a tourist vehicle was trapped in floodwaters but all passengers were rescued safely.
In Neelum Valley, landslides and bridge collapses have stranded tourists. Rescue operations are under way to bring them to safety. The rivers Neelum, Jhelum, and Poonch are in high flood. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious.
In Abbottabad, a schoolgirl drowned while crossing a seasonal stream. Another girl and a teacher were injured.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, during the K2 expedition, a mountaineer was injured by a landslide. Pakistan Army rescued him by helicopter and took him to hospital.
Flooding, landslides, and road closures have disrupted life across northern and mountainous areas. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the coming days. District administrations and rescue teams are carrying out emergency relief operations in the affected areas.
Read more: Cloudbursts hit Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK: heavy rain hits several parts of Pakistan
