Relentless monsoon rains, glacier bursts, and sudden flash floods have left a trail of destruction across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), killing at least 17 people and injuring dozens more.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Homes Swept Away, Roads Cut Off
Ghizer district in GB was hit hardest, where floodwaters claimed eight lives. Two more fatalities were reported from Diamer. The flooding tore through villages in Hunza, Nagar, and Skardu, destroying homes, government buildings, and standing crops. Vital transport links — including the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road, and Gilgit-Skardu Road — were blocked, leaving many areas cut off from relief efforts.
AJK: Family Tragedy in Muzaffarabad
In AJK’s Muzaffarabad district, heavy rains triggered a deadly cloudburst in Sarli Sacha, killing seven people — six from the same family. Neelum Valley also saw severe damage, with multiple homes and two bridges washed away. Hundreds of tourists were stranded in Ratti Gali; authorities say around 100 have been rescued so far, but many remain in need of evacuation.
Rivers Swell, Officials Issue Warnings
The Neelum, Jhelum, and Poonch rivers have all risen to high flood levels. Disaster management officials are urging residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to stay alert, warning that further rains could worsen the situation.
While rescue operations are underway, access challenges and ongoing bad weather are slowing relief efforts. Authorities fear that if rain patterns persist, more remote communities could face life-threatening isolation in the days ahead.
