DIAMER: Intense monsoon rains last Thursday triggered sudden flash floods in several areas of Diamer district, causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and farmland, officials said.
According to a situation report released by the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme’s District Office Diamer, floodwaters swept through Niat Valley, Thak, Jal, Babusar, Darel and Basha, leaving a trail of destruction.
Numerous houses were reported partially or fully destroyed, while water mills were washed away. Irrigation channels were damaged, badly affecting agriculture, and the collapse of link bridges cut off ground access to several villages.
Orchards and standing crops also suffered heavy losses, and local roads were destroyed in multiple places, bringing movement to a halt. The situation on the Karakoram Highway worsened after a heavy flood and debris flow at Gini forced authorities to close the highway to all traffic.
Hundreds of vehicles are now stranded on both sides, creating serious problems for travelers and commercial transport. Officials said affected families have lost shelter, agricultural resources, and basic facilities.
Relief efforts are being hampered by damaged roads and bridges. Immediate needs include emergency food, temporary shelter, clean drinking water, non-food items, basic health and sanitation support, and urgent repairs to infrastructure. With more rain forecast, the risk of further flash floods and landslides remains high.
Relevant agencies are monitoring the situation and carrying out a rapid damage assessment in the affected areas. The report recommends an immediate detailed damage and needs assessment, faster rescue and relief operations, and urgent restoration of the Karakoram Highway as well as damaged link roads and bridges.
It also calls for coordinated efforts between government agencies, humanitarian organizations and development partners to deliver aid to affected families and to strengthen early warning and community awareness to reduce future risks.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme said the floods have had serious impacts on human lives, infrastructure and the local agricultural economy, and that timely assistance and rehabilitation are critical to prevent further hardship for affected communities.
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