Islamabad( The COW News Digital) — A devastating landslide triggered by a cloudburst has wreaked havoc on Babusar Road, particularly between the Jal and Devong areas, affecting a 7–8 km stretch with severe flooding and debris. The catastrophe has claimed at least three lives and injured one, while dozens of tourists remain missing or stranded in the mountainous terrain of Chilas district, Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the District Administration, the natural disaster led to the complete suspension of traffic due to obstructions at 15 major points along the route. Rescue operations are being carried out under extremely challenging conditions, with massive rockfalls and impassable roads hindering access.
Emergency teams managed to evacuate numerous tourists to safer areas. However, search operations continue for the missing as teams face rough terrain, making parts of the affected zone inaccessible even on foot. Deputy Commissioner and SP of Diamer personally surveyed the area to monitor ongoing rescue work.
The administration has set up temporary shelters for displaced tourists in Chilas, including accommodation at Girls Degree College, while police-provided transport relocated others to local hotels.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that Babusar Top Road is entirely blocked. On the Karakoram Highway, at Lal Pari and Tatta Pani, 10–15 vehicles remain stuck due to debris and rising water levels. Relief teams are working around the clock to restore access and ensure safe evacuations.
In Chitral and adjoining areas such as Garam Chashma, Yoojoo, Bashqir, and Ez, torrential rains have caused flash floods, damaging infrastructure and prompting residents to seek higher ground.
Military Response:
Pakistan Army has launched a full-scale rescue and relief operation using helicopters to extract tourists and travelers trapped along Babusar and Karakoram routes. So far, 15 aerial sorties have relocated dozens to safety. Army teams, along with Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, are distributing food, medical aid, and essential supplies to affected individuals.
Efforts to clear roads continue overnight, with machinery and manpower deployed to remove debris. Search and rescue teams are also combing mountainous regions for missing persons.
In Deosai and Skardu, military engineers have cleared landslide-affected routes, including the path from Skardu to Sadpara. Operations are ongoing to open remaining blocked areas and deliver emergency rations, with 150 pre-cooked food packets already airlifted.
Authorities urge the public to avoid travel to disaster-hit regions. The rapid response and coordination of Pakistan Army and rescue agencies have saved many lives, with recovery operations in full swing.
