Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Gilgit-Baltistan, Exacerbating Crisis
Flash floods in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan have led to one death, injuries, and displacements. Infrastructure has been heavily damaged, leaving thousands stranded and without electricity. Authorities struggle to address the extensive destruction with limited resources, as military personnel aid in relief efforts amidst ongoing weather challenges.
- Country:
- PoGB
In Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, devastating flash floods continue to wreak havoc, claiming the life of a young boy and injuring eight others. The deluge has caused extensive infrastructure damage, leaving thousands, including tourists, cut off and without electricity, mobile, and internet services. The flash floods, induced by a severe cloudburst, have severely impacted residents across multiple regions, as reported by Dawn.
The situation further deteriorated as PoGB Home Minister Shams Lone announced that the Baltistan Highway bridge had been washed away, isolating four districts for the second day. Since Friday, at least 35 have perished, many have been injured, and four remain missing. A total of 318 homes have been destroyed, with 674 others partly damaged. The PoGB government faces resource shortages, but military personnel are actively involved in relief operations, according to Dawn.
Even the Naltar Highway's partial destruction has stranded numerous tourists, with the Naltar region witnessing the loss of power supply due to damaged hydropower stations. Essential infrastructure like bridges in Datuchi and Ghanche districts has been compromised, leading to village isolation. Many families have been forced to relocate. The situation is worsened by unusual heat waves since June, causing accelerated glacier melt, leading to this calamity, as reported by Dawn.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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