At least three people have died, and dozens of tourists were stranded after a sudden skyburst triggered serious landslides and flash floods along a 7-8 km stretch Babusar Road in Gilgit-Baltistan confirmed officials on Monday.
#Babusar: Landslide & flooding 21/7/25
15 tourists are missing. 3 died. About 8 tourist vehicles were swept away by flash floods. The road is destroyed almost in several places. People are requested to avoid unnecessary travel until #monsoon Period sits down … pic.twitter.com/wagcip9vcf– Shaheryar Hassan (@Shaheryarhassan) July 21, 2025
According to Diamer District Administration, three bodies were received at the regional headquarters Hospital (RHQ) in Chilas, while a wounded person remains under treatment.
The incident took place around 1 p.m. 3.30 pm, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in a press release.
Cloudburst hit between jeal and diyung and causes widespread damage. Authorities reported 14 to 15 major blockages due to dirt, boulders, landslides and sudden flooding that seriously disturbed travel and emergency.
Rescue operations led by local authorities evacuated stranded tourists from different points. Transport was arranged through Girls’ Degree College and police and moved the affected persons to local hotels in Chila for temporary accommodation.
Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent for Police -Diams visited the affected area and managed to reach the center of the disaster area.
However, the remaining part was considered unavailable due to large stone deposits and unstable terrain.
Babusar Road remains completely blocked without immediate reopening in sight. Meanwhile, parts of Karakoram Highway (KKH) at Lal Parhi and Tatha Pani are also closed, where 10 to 15 vehicles are reportedly caught in Nallah’s and sliding-affected areas.
Emergency staff continue the operations in the midst of challenging conditions, working to restore access and secure safe evacuation of all stranded persons.
NDMA and the local administration closely monitor the situation as weather instability remains a problem.
