Torrential rains and a powerful cloudburst have unleashed widespread destruction in Babusar Top and surrounding areas of Diamer district, Gilgit-Baltistan, triggering intense flooding and landslides across the region.

According to local authorities, more than 30 tourist vehicles were swept away, at least three bodies have been recovered, and over 15 people remain missing.

The sudden deluge struck late Saturday night, catching tourists by surprise as they traveled toward popular mountainous destinations.

Many vehicles were dragged into ravines and mountain streams as landslides and gushing waters overwhelmed the region. Rescue operations are underway, but treacherous terrain, collapsed roads, and ongoing bad weather are slowing the efforts.

An emotional survivor described the ordeal, saying, “We came here for a vacation, but everything was destroyed. I saw everything swept away before my eyes.”

Another family from Sahiwal had a narrow escape when their vehicle got trapped in floodwaters. All members survived, though they suffered financial losses. Tourists also voiced frustration over delayed rescue efforts and communication breakdowns.

Authorities say nearly eight kilometers of connecting roads have been washed away, while mobile and internet networks have been severely disrupted. Eyewitnesses report that 30 to 40 people may have been swept away by the floods.

The Pakistan Army and other emergency services have joined rescue efforts. Locals and tourists have been advised to avoid travel to the affected areas.

State of Emergency and Infrastructure Collapse

A state of emergency has been declared in Babusar and surrounding regions. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), landslides and floodwaters have blocked roads at more than 14 locations.

In one major incident, a massive landslide struck a tourist vehicle, reportedly burying 20 people beneath the debris. Three bodies have been recovered so far, with the victims believed to be from South Punjab. One injured person is receiving treatment at the Regional Headquarters Hospital in Chilas.

In Chilas’s Thak Nullah area, a woman and two other people were killed after being swept away by the flash floods. NDMA officials confirmed that many stranded tourists have been rescued and relocated to safer areas, while efforts are ongoing to retrieve vehicles buried under debris.

Traffic has also been suspended on the Karakoram Highway at Lal Pahari and Tatta Pani due to landslides. Sadpara Road, leading to the Deosai plains, is also blocked, stranding hundreds of tourists.

In Skardu’s nearby village Ragiul, floodwaters have caused severe damage to fields and orchards. Meanwhile, a rockfall in Soon Kahuta between Rawalpindi, Rawalakot, and Palandri has blocked key road access. In Swat’s Kabal area, a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, but all passengers were rescued by locals.

NDMA officials say they are closely monitoring the situation. Rescue and relief operations continue, and citizens have been strongly advised to avoid travel to affected regions until further notice.