Gilgit-Baltistan hit by heavy rains & cloudburst, several districts cut off

GILGIT, Jul 23 (APP):Torrential rains over the past two days, along with cloudbursts, rapid glacial melting and severe flooding in streams and rivers, have caused widespread destruction across several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Flood torrents, landslides and falling debris have severely damaged numerous houses, link roads, three major bridges, irrigation systems, drinking water schemes and large areas of agricultural land, while ground connectivity to several areas has been cut off.

The Gilgit-Chitral Expressway has also been closed due to the rains.

On the outskirts of Gilgit city, floodwaters entered homes in Konodas, Skarkoi, Jotal and Naltar causing heavy damage to standing crops and trees.

In the Lous Bala area of District Astore, flash floods triggered by a cloudburst damaged several residential houses, washed away household goods, livestock and crops, while landslides blocked the Astore Valley Road for all kinds of traffic, severing the district headquarters’ link with several villages.

In the Tormak stream area of Sub-Division Rondu, severe flooding washed away at least three major bridges, including Mullan Bridge, and destroyed drinking water schemes, irrigation channels and protective embankments. Several villages have been cut off from one another.

In Gilgit’s Chumogarh, Jutal, Danyor and other adjoining areas, overflowing streams inundated low-lying settlements and damaged agricultural land.

Continuous rainfall and landslides have also badly affected Naltar Road at multiple points, where debris and large rocks blocked traffic and damaged different sections of the road, causing serious difficulties for tourists and local residents traveling to and from Naltar.

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has directed all concerned departments, district administrations, rescue agencies, the communications department, FWO and other institutions to remain on high alert and has dispatched heavy machinery to the affected areas to restore blocked roads as soon as possible.

The GB Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), district administration, Rescue 1122 and other agencies are jointly engaged in relief operations. Affected families are being shifted to safe locations, while tents, food supplies, medicines and clean drinking water are being provided.

Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain Advocate has directed authorities to further accelerate relief and rehabilitation work in the affected areas, keep all relevant departments on 24-hour alert and give top priority to the protection of human lives.

The Meteorological Department has warned of more rain, cloudbursts, glacial melt, landslides and further flooding in streams and rivers over the next 24 to 48 hours, urging citizens, tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow the instructions of local authorities.