World ( The cow news digital ) Torrential flash floods swept through several valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district overnight, causing widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land while forcing the closure of the Karakoram Highway.
According to local police, powerful floodwaters damaged multiple residential buildings, washed away trees and standing crops, and destroyed several pedestrian bridges, traditional water mills, and irrigation channels. Landslides triggered by the heavy rains also struck different sections of the Karakoram Highway, disrupting traffic and complicating rescue and restoration efforts.
One of the worst-hit areas was near Goner Farm Nursery in Chilas, where a massive flash flood cut off the Karakoram Highway late Saturday night. The closure left hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway, creating long queues and leaving travelers unable to continue their journeys.
Reports from the area indicate that the stranded passengers include children, women, and elderly people, many of whom have been waiting for hours under difficult conditions. Limited access to food, drinking water, and other essential services has added to the hardships faced by those affected.
Residents and travelers have urged authorities to accelerate road clearance operations and restore traffic on the Karakoram Highway as quickly as possible. The highway is a vital transportation corridor connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan, and prolonged closures can significantly affect travel, trade, and the movement of essential supplies.
Officials said assessment teams have been deployed to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the floods. Relevant government departments and emergency response agencies are working to clear landslides, repair damaged bridges, and restore irrigation infrastructure in the affected areas.
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The recent flooding highlights the growing vulnerability of northern mountainous regions to extreme weather events during the monsoon season. Experts have repeatedly warned that intense rainfall can rapidly trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in narrow valleys where water levels rise within a short period.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas, and follow official safety instructions until weather conditions improve and damaged road networks are declared safe for public use.
