Torrential overnight rains unleashed flash floods across several valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, leaving a trail of destruction that damaged homes, public infrastructure, farmland and communication links, while forcing the closure of the Karakoram Highway, officials said.
The Karakoram Highway remained blocked near Gonar Farm Nursery in Chilas after floodwaters inundated the route, stranding hundreds of passengers, freight transport and tourists. Long lines of vehicles stretched along both sides of the highway as authorities worked to restore access.
Local officials said emergency teams had begun damage assessment and rescue operations, while relevant departments were clearing debris, repairing damaged roads and bridges, and working to reopen affected routes. A comprehensive evaluation of losses was also underway as restoration efforts continued in flood-hit areas.
According to the authorities, flash floods struck more than six locations in Thor, where residential buildings, agricultural land, standing crops and trees sustained extensive damage. Flood debris entered residential areas, while the Thor link road was blocked at several points, bringing traffic to a standstill. Electricity supply was also interrupted in multiple localities.
Officials said floodwaters destroyed numerous houses, uprooted trees, washed away pedestrian and vehicular bridges, and severely damaged irrigation channels and traditional watermills in different parts of the district.
In Bonar Das, rising floodwaters forced the suspension of traffic on the Karakoram Highway, leaving commuters and transport vehicles stranded. In Khanbari, flooding caused extensive losses to agricultural land, crops, trees and link roads.
Authorities said floodwaters also swept away 13 dump trucks, an excavator, a crushing plant and two water tankers belonging to a private company operating in the area.
In Niat, heavy flooding damaged the link road at several locations, disrupting transportation and creating hardships for residents. Local communities called for immediate relief assistance, restoration of electricity and urgent repair of damaged roads.
Residents in the affected areas reported that women, children and elderly passengers were among those stranded because of the highway closure. They appealed to the authorities to reopen the Karakoram Highway as soon as possible to restore the movement of people, goods and essential supplies.