Karakoram Highway closed as flash floods devastate Gilgit-Baltistan

Widespread flash floods, fueled by cloudbursts and rapid glacial melting, have wreaked havoc across Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. The deluge on Tuesday damaged numerous homes, roads, and bridges, leaving hundreds of tourists and local residents stranded in several districts. The critical Karakoram Highway (KKH) faced a closure near Altashi Nullah in the Gini area of Chilas due to rising water levels in the Hunza, Nagar, and Indus rivers, alongside other streams. Authorities have issued warnings about the threat posed to downstream communities by these rising waters, with reports of riverbank erosion in multiple areas.

The Ghizer district emerged as one of the worst-hit areas. Flash floods in Mayon village created an artificial lake by blocking the Ishkoman River. This lake subsequently inundated Hasis village, submerging dozens of houses, agricultural land, and vital public infrastructure. Residents were evacuated as floodwaters entered the village. Local reports indicate at least 15 houses were damaged, along with a school, a mosque, and agricultural fields. The Ghizer-Ishkoman Road became completely inaccessible due to the artificial lake, cutting off road access to the Ishkoman Valley, although efforts were made to manage the water flow.

Damage extended to other areas, including Sherqila, where homes and agricultural land were impacted. Flooding was also reported in Salpi, Aishi, Damas, Haim, and Dilnati. The floods damaged roads and brought down electricity poles in several locations, leading to widespread power outages. In the Gilgit district, cloudburst-induced floods caused significant damage in the upper reaches of Naltar Valley, destroying 12 houses, agricultural land, and displacing several families. The Naltar Highway was blocked at multiple points, stranding tourists. In Upper Hunza, sections of the Karakoram Highway near Gulmit were damaged by rapid glacial melting.