Gilgit-Baltistan Faces Dire Aftermath of Devastating Floods

In the wake of severe flooding, residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan find themselves confronting the loss of homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure. With scores of families displaced, their cries for urgent governmental assistance ring louder each day. They stand outdoors, exposed to the elements, appealing for immediate action from both Pakistan's Prime Minister and the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister to clear debris and rebuild homes.

The destruction has been widespread, as entire neighborhoods have vanished and vital irrigation channels have been obliterated. Efforts to restore the water supply are now seen as paramount, with voices growing for the construction of a sturdy dam to prevent future disasters. Additionally, residents have called for the establishment of a government committee to assess the massive damage, insisting this is a public service for which the public deserves compensation. Concerns have been raised about political exploitation of their plight, urging politicians not to use the situation for personal gain.

Compounding these challenges is the catastrophic impact on electricity services, as fallen poles and damaged wires leave communities shrouded in darkness, disrupting daily life and economic activities, particularly agriculture. The appeal from residents is urgent: repair the electrical infrastructure, compensate affected families, and install a committee to oversee related recovery efforts. The community has issued a dire warning that, without immediate restoration of water and electricity services, their hardships are bound to worsen. Previous reports indicate that the death toll from the region's massive flooding has climbed to 10, with ongoing rescue operations amidst a grim backdrop of changing climate patterns, including heatwaves and glacial melting, further complicating the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)