Rescuers engage in relief operations after heavy rains wreak havoc in GB

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ISLAMABAD: Rescue operations are underway in Gilgit Baltistan a day after the floods due to heavy rains, which caused devastation on the way to Babusar, killing at least five people and injuring several others as more than a dozen disappeared.

Giving details about the situation, Qatar’s deputy commissioner Ata -ur -Rehman said that Cloud Bristol caused floods to Babusar, resulting in the death of four tourists and a local resident.

Noting that two of the deceased have been identified and a three -year -old child is missing, DC said so far only 40 % of the losses have been estimated.

Meanwhile, officials have said that the Flash flood damaged the infrastructure in the region on Monday and washed tourist vehicles.

GB government spokesman Faizullah Fat said efforts were being made to trace the missing persons.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the incident took place at around 3:30 pm on Monday when a cloud attack attacked Babusar Road between JAL and Dong, which affected about 7-8 km.

In Qatar district of GB, floods and cloud burst affected traffic with important parts of the highway. On the directions of the Federal Minister for Communications, the National Highway Authority (NHA) teams are active in clearing the barriers.

Traffic has been restored at several places, including near Chelsea Bazaar, Zero Point, and Governor Form, on Tuesday.

The highway has also been reopened for unilateral traffic in Pasu and Gamad, while rehabilitation work is underway near Tatata water. The NHA teams worked overnight and stay on the site until full access was restored. The NHA chairman is personally overseeing these operations.

Diem DC Rehman told the media that the machinery is being shifted to the flood -hit areas, and it has already arrived in some places.

The injured have been shifted to the regional headquarters hospital by ambulance, he said. He added that three bodies have been recovered so far, but it is unconstitutional whether they are tourists or local residents.

The deputy commissioner said that the district administration is determined to make every effort in response to a natural disaster and will now start supplying food, water and other relief supplies to the affected people.

Damage and destruction

More than 30 vehicles, including passenger coasters, were flooded, while it is believed that 10 to 15 vehicles were completely destroyed.

Officials said the land sliding caused the complete closure of Babusar Road, 7 to 8 km of road was completely destroyed and washed four rooted bridges.

He added that two mosques and more than 50 houses were also destroyed by the floods.

In addition, the floods also damaged the power infrastructure and fiber optic lines, which caused severe interruptions to communication.

Tourists in Thak and Babusar have lost contact with their families.

Army is participating in rescue efforts

GB government spokesman Farah has said that night rescue work was affected due to darkness, but started again early in the morning.

More than 200 trapped tourists have been recovered and brought to a glass, he said.

Local residents also played a key role in saving trapped tourists. Hotels and guest houses have been opened free of charge for the affected passengers in the eagles.

Further rainfall is being predicted in the region as authorities have continued to search for missing persons. The situation is important, and relief resources are being mobilized.

The Pakistan Army is also participating in relief efforts to save tourists trapped on the Babusar and Karakoram highways.

Army troops evacuated tourists and passengers at safer places by helicopters.

In addition, the army, along with GB Scouts teams, is providing food items and medical to the affected people.

Passengers flowed into Islamabad

Heavy rains have also killed the adjoining Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which has caused floods in the lower areas of both cities.

Two people were swept away in a storm drain in Phase 5 of the Private Housing Society in Islamabad. A video circulating on social media shows that a vehicle flows into flood water.

The incident happened when the residents tried to drive their car near the storm drain, but flowed with their car due to increased flow of water.

Rescue officials say a search operation has been launched for those flowing with rainwater.