Flash Floods Devastate Diamer as GB Faces Climate Emergency

Flash floods triggered by intense rainfall caused widespread destruction across Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, damaging homes, roads, farmland and public infrastructure in several valleys. The disaster disrupted daily life for thousands of residents and added to growing concerns over the increasing frequency of climate-linked emergencies in Pakistan’s northern region.

According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, flooding was reported at six locations in Diamer, including Khanbari, Niyat, Thore, Gaspayan, Gasbala and Bunar. The downpour sent powerful torrents through populated and agricultural areas, leaving mud, debris and damaged property behind as residents struggled to protect homes, livestock and crops.

The floods damaged portions of the Karakoram Highway and several link roads connecting remote settlements. In Thore Valley, debris entered houses and destroyed standing crops, fruit trees and agricultural land, while the main road was washed away at multiple points, suspending movement for local communities.

Officials said power transmission lines were also affected, cutting electricity to Thore Valley and nearby areas. In Niyat, floodwaters damaged local road links around Chilas, creating serious transport difficulties for residents already dealing with blocked access, limited power supply and disrupted communication with nearby towns.

One of the worst-hit areas was Khanbari, where a powerful flash flood swept away two houses along with their belongings. Livestock were also washed away, while a private company working on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project suffered heavy losses after 13 dumpers, an excavator, a crushing plant and two water tankers were carried off by the floodwater.

The Karakoram Highway was blocked at Bonar Das after landslides and flood debris spread across the route. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides, leaving passengers, including domestic and foreign tourists, stranded for hours before traffic was eventually restored on the main artery.

Although the highway later reopened, several link roads to remote valleys remained blocked and electricity had not been restored in many affected areas. Residents appealed to the Gilgit-Baltistan government, district administration, NDMA, GBDMA and other departments to start urgent relief work, restore roads, resume power supply and provide compensation to families who lost property, crops and livestock.

Environmental experts warned that Gilgit-Baltistan is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven disasters, including cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods. The region’s fragile mountain ecosystem, combined with rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melting, has intensified risks for communities living near rivers, streams and unstable slopes.

The latest flooding comes as authorities have already issued warnings for landslides and possible glacial lake outburst events across parts of the north. With Gilgit-Baltistan home to thousands of glaciers and glacial lakes, officials and experts say long-term disaster planning, stronger early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure are now essential to protect lives, livelihoods and Pakistan’s strategic road networks.