Flash Floods Claim Lives in Gilgit-Baltistan and Rawalpindi; Rescue Ops Ongoing
RAWALPINDI/GILGIT-BALTISTAN – Intense flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have caused multiple casualties and widespread damage in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Rawalpindi, as rescue operations continue.
In Rawalpindi, a father and daughter were swept away after their vehicle was caught in a sudden surge of water. Eyewitnesses reported that the two were unable to escape the fast-rising waters. Rescue 1122 teams are actively searching for the vehicle and its occupants, but no confirmation on their condition has been provided so far.
Amid the ongoing weather emergency, Rescue 1122 has issued a high alert for further rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with special teams deployed across both cities and surrounding areas. District Emergency Officer Sibghatullah stated that boats and essential rescue equipment have been stationed near the Soan River and other flood-prone points.
“A rain emergency has been declared, and Section 144 is now enforced in Rawalpindi,” Sibghatullah added. “Citizens must refrain from dumping garbage or construction debris into storm drains.” All Rescue 1122 staff leaves have been cancelled, and local water channels, including Nullah Lai, are under constant monitoring. A dedicated control room has been activated to coordinate emergency response efforts.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident at Babusar Top in Gilgit-Baltistan, five tourists lost their lives in flash floods caused by a cloudburst. Over 15 tourist vehicles were swept away in Chilas by the raging floodwaters. So far, five bodies have been recovered, and four individuals have been rescued.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing despite earlier delays caused by nightfall. Residents and authorities have rescued over 200 stranded tourists. People from Thak Babusar have opened their homes to offer shelter, providing refuge to over 100 people.
In an extraordinary gesture of hospitality, all hotels and guesthouses in the area have been opened free of charge for affected tourists.
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