At least eight people were killed in separate rain-related incidents in Pakistan’s northern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as heavy downpours triggered landslides, flash floods, and roof collapses, local authorities and rescue officials said Monday.
According to officials, the cloudburst struck around 3:30 p.m. along a 7 to 8-kilometre stretch of Babusar Road between Jal and Diyung, triggering 14 to 15 major blockages caused by landslides, falling rocks, and heavy debris. At least three people were killed and one was injured in the incident.
Three dead bodies and one injured person were shifted to the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Hospital in Chilas, where the injured victim remains under treatment.
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Rescue and evacuation efforts were launched immediately. Tourists stranded in the affected areas were evacuated with the help of local administration and law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police for Diamer district visited the site and managed to reach the mid-point of the affected zone, but further access was hindered by massive boulder deposits.
Public transport vehicles from the Girls Degree College and police department were used to transfer stranded tourists to hotels in Chilas.
Babusar Road remains severely blocked, while the Karakoram Highway (KKH) is also inaccessible at Lal Parhi and Tatha Pani due to landslides.
Authorities reported that 10 to 15 vehicles remain stranded in flooded nallahs and debris-hit sections of the road.
109 killed in Punjab monsoon rains since June 25
Relief operations are ongoing, but access remains limited due to challenging terrain and continued risk of further landslides.
5 killed in two rain-related incidents in Swat
Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district, five children lost their lives in two separate rain-related incidents today.
According to rescue officials, three children were killed after a roof collapsed due to heavy rainfall, while two others were swept away in a rainwater drain. Rescue 1122 teams are continuing search and relief operations in the affected areas.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He prayed for the departed souls and patience for their families, stating that the provincial government stands with the mourning families in their time of sorrow.
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