7 areas in GB declared calamity-hit as floods wreak havoc

GILGIT: At least 37 locations across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) were on Tuesday officially declared calamity-hit following torrential rains and flash floods that have left a trail of destruction across the mountainous region, according to government officials.

Diamer has emerged as the worst-affected, where emergencies have been declared in 12 locations.

Gilgit district follows with nine areas, Ghizer with five, Skardu and Shigar with four each, Ghanche with two, and Nagar and Kharmang with one each.

According to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, at least 10 people — mostly tourists — have lost their lives, while 10 to 15 others remain missing.

Twenty-two vehicles have been washed away, over 509 homes damaged, and damages exceeding Rs20 billion have been recorded.

Four people were injured but have since received medical treatment.

Relief operations are underway, with the provincial government distributing tents, food supplies, blankets, and kitchen sets to the affected families. However, officials say the scale of devastation has overwhelmed local capacity.

Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, during a high-level review meeting, on Thursday said the damage from this year’s floods was unprecedented.

“Owing to limited resources, we cannot fully restore infrastructure in every affected area,” he admitted.

The GB government approved 157 emergency projects worth Rs440 million from provincial funds, prioritizing clean water supply, irrigation channels, electricity, and road connectivity.

A formal request for Rs15 billion in federal assistance has also been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure complete rehabilitation and compensation for the victims.

The chief minister instructed all departments to ensure transparency in the execution of ongoing emergency projects.