Devastating Pakistan Floods Spark Urgent Rescue Efforts as Death Toll Rises – Climate Crisis Deepens in Gilgit-Baltistan
Pakistan floods death toll reaches 10 in Gilgit-Baltistan as climate change-driven disasters wreak havoc. Urgent rescue efforts continue as the government appeals for emergency aid.
Pakistan floods death toll has reached a grim 10 lives lost as intense monsoon rains and glacial melting led to widespread flooding across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The disaster, unfolding over the past week, has stranded tourists, destroyed infrastructure, and highlighted the growing vulnerability of the region to climate change.
Government officials confirmed on Sunday that the combined impacts of heatwaves, cloudbursts, and unpredictable weather patterns have triggered massive flash floods, particularly in the Babusar, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, and Ghanche regions.
“People in GB are facing daily flood events. At least one flood occurs every day,” said Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, calling the crisis “unprecedented and worsening.”
Glacial Melting and Climate Change Behind the Crisis
The ongoing disaster is a clear manifestation of the devastating impacts of climate change. Due to rapid glacial melting, cloudbursts, and extreme heatwaves, Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed erratic monsoon behavior and rising river levels.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the region recorded unusual temperature highs in early July, melting glaciers at an alarming rate. This contributed to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), a phenomenon now common in high-altitude Pakistan.
“This is not a one-time event — this is a wake-up call for long-term climate resilience and emergency preparedness,” said climate expert Dr. Aisha Siddiqui in a statement to Dawn News.
Babusar and Diamer Among Worst-Hit
The Babusar Valley, a popular tourist destination, has been among the hardest hit by the floods. On Monday, four people were confirmed dead and 15 others went missing when flash floods swept through the area.
Since then, the Pakistan floods death toll in Babusar has climbed to seven. Additional fatalities were reported in Diamer’s Thore Valley and Astore district.
A tragic incident involved the recovery of a woman’s body from the Indus River near Chilas. Officials suspect she may be one of the missing tourists from Babusar.
Urgent Rescue and Relief Operations
Search and rescue operations are being conducted by the Pakistan Army, local police, and disaster response units. Personnel are scouring the Babusar Highway, ferrying stranded travelers to safety.
“Most tourists trapped in Ferry Meadows have been rescued and moved to a safe place,” confirmed GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq.
Relief operations are also underway in Ghanche, Gilgit, and Ghizer, where homes, schools, and water systems have suffered severe damage.
The Silk Road, a major transport artery in the region, has been reopened for all types of traffic after emergency repair work.
Economic Losses and Infrastructure Damage
According to preliminary assessments, the flooding has caused over Rs20 billion in damages. This includes:
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Destruction of 300 homes
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Partial damage to 200 residences
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40 water channels in 30 villages swept away
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15 kilometers of roads and bridges washed out
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Damage to agricultural lands and crops
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Severe impact on public and private infrastructure
“Gilgit-Baltistan runs on federal grants and international aid. Recovery is beyond the capacity of the provincial government alone,” Faraq emphasized.
Federal Government Urged to Provide Aid
On Saturday, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan formally requested the federal government to allocate Rs7 billion in emergency funds to address the humanitarian crisis.
“Only Rs1 billion was allocated in the GB budget for emergencies. We are already burdened with Rs3 billion in liabilities from previous disasters,” said the chief minister.
He reiterated the need for long-term structural support, including disaster management funding, climate adaptation plans, and improved early warning systems.
Long-Term Climate Adaptation Needed
The increasing frequency of floods in GB is part of a larger trend. Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries according to the Global Climate Risk Index by Germanwatch.
The current emergency in Gilgit-Baltistan is a call for:
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Investment in glacial monitoring
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Climate-resilient infrastructure
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Community-based disaster training
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Sustainable tourism guidelines
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International climate finance for adaptation
Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change has previously highlighted the need for Rs365 billion annually for effective climate resilience.
