Torrential downpour also battered the federal capital, triggering flash flood in a stormwater drain in the Saidpur area. The surge led to the collapse of a wall under construction as part of a development project, causing significant damage to nearby homes.
In G-B, the regional government confirmed that eight tourist vehicles were
swept away by the raging waters.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq said that three bodies had been pulled from the debris while four others were rushed to a hospital in Chilas.
“Fifteen other tourists have gone missing, as eight tourist vehicles were washed away in the raging flood,” he said in a statement. “Medical assistance for the injured is ongoing, with one individual in critical condition.”
As the weather wreaked havoc, communication lines also took a hit. Firaq noted that a fibre optic cable break had disrupted mobile and internet connectivity, cutting off stranded tourists from their families.
“Thousands remain stuck, and communication with their homes has been severed,” he added.
Despite the odds, rescue efforts pressed ahead. “The government has successfully rescued hundreds of stranded tourists on Babusar Highway, and many have sought shelter with local residents,” Firaq said.
He added that the Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister had directed authorities to mobilise “all available resources” to aid the stranded.
With multiple choke points along the Babusar Highway, damaged roads and farmland have further complicated relief efforts.
In a related development, Rescue 1122 confirmed that Jalkhad Road in Naran was also rendered impassable due to large stones and debris washed in by heavy downpour.
Initial reports suggest a car is trapped in the rubble. However, no casualties or major property damage were reported.
The National Highways Authority (NHA) dispatched heavy machinery from nearby stations to begin clearing the road and restoring traffic flow. Rescue 1122 ambulances were also deployed to the site to handle potential emergencies.
Authorities had previously sounded the alarm: the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) had issued a warning on June 29 about heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding.
The advisory had urged locals and tourists alike to stay clear of riverbanks, avoid bathing or washing in streams and remain vigilant due to potentially dangerous water surges.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district, three children died and their mother was critically injured when their roof caved in during torrential rains in Madyan’s Gujjar Banda area on Monday night.
According to Rescue 1122 North region spokesperson Shafiqa Gul, the house collapse was caused by the downpour. “Three siblings and their mother were critically injured and moved to Civil Hospital Madyan for treatment,” she said.
“The rescue team was dispatched promptly and reached the site as soon as we received the call.”
Doctors later confirmed that all three children had died from their injuries while their mother remains in critical condition.
Fourth monsoon spell
Amid the ongoing monsoon season, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday issued a comprehensive flood fact sheet.
The fourth spell of monsoon rains is underway and expected to last until July 26.
The fact sheet warns of a significant rise in water levels in Punjab’s rivers beginning July 25, particularly in light of expected heavy rains in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Sargodha divisions.
Authorities are on high alert, and emergency directives have been issued to all district administrations and concerned departments. In the last 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in Murree and Sialkot.
The document also outlines the current rainfall trends, water levels in rivers, dams and barrages across Punjab, and the human and infrastructural toll taken by the ongoing downpours.
PDMA’s report reveals that this year’s monsoon has already claimed 135 lives, injured 479 people, and affected 156 homes across Punjab.
According to the latest water data, most rivers and barrages across Punjab are currently at normal flow levels. The Mangla Dam is filled to 50 per cent of its capacity, while Tarbela holds 79 per cent.
Indian reservoirs are reportedly at around 36 per cent capacity. However, moderate flood levels have been reported in the Indus River at Taunsa, where water flow remains elevated.
With potential flood threats looming, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has confirmed that the authority’s emergency preparedness plans are fully operational.