Heavy Rains and Cloudburst Trigger Emergency in Diamer: Tourists Advised to Stay Away from Gilgit-Baltistan
In a tragic turn of events, the picturesque region of Gilgit-Baltistan—known for its towering mountains, scenic beauty, and adventure tourism—has been brought to its knees by a devastating spell of monsoon rains. Diamer District, particularly near Chilas, has been hit by intense rainfall and a sudden cloudburst, prompting the local authorities to declare a state of emergency and advise all tourists to temporarily suspend their travel plans to the region.
The Disaster Unfolds
According to official reports, at least three tourists lost their lives, and over 15 individuals are currently missing following the torrential downpours and flash floods that struck the area over the past 48 hours. The rainfall caused widespread flooding in low-lying areas and led to multiple landslides, severely damaging infrastructure, including key segments of the Karakoram Highway (KKH)—the lifeline connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan.
Bridges and roads have been washed away in several locations, leaving entire villages isolated. Hundreds of tourists and locals remain stranded in affected zones, with many awaiting rescue via helicopters and ground support. Pakistan Army aviation units and local emergency services have been deployed for relief and evacuation efforts.
NDMA and GB Government on High Alert
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) have issued a red alert for the region. Emergency response units are on high alert as further cloudburst activity and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are feared in the coming days. According to the authorities, saturated soil conditions and melting glaciers have significantly increased the risk of further natural disasters, especially in areas surrounding Diamer, Skardu, and Ghizer.
Officials are urging all citizens and tourists to refrain from unnecessary travel to Gilgit-Baltistan. In a joint statement, the NDMA and GB government stressed that the safety of civilians remains the top priority, and efforts are being intensified to restore connectivity and ensure access to food, water, and medical aid.
Impact on Tourism and Local Communities
The timing of this disaster is particularly unfortunate, as July and August represent the peak tourism season in the region. Each year, thousands of local and international visitors flock to GB to experience its stunning valleys, mountain peaks, and hiking trails. However, the unfolding crisis has forced tour operators to cancel or reschedule trips, and hotels in the area are reporting mass cancellations.
Local communities, already economically dependent on seasonal tourism, now face a dual crisis—loss of income and risk to life and property. Many residents in the affected districts have been forced to abandon their homes, seeking shelter in safer areas or temporary camps set up by the government and NGOs.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have described terrifying scenes of devastation. “It felt like the sky opened up. Within minutes, the river near our village had overflowed, and houses began to wash away,” said Ghulam Nabi, a resident of a small town near Chilas. He reported that dozens of homes were damaged or completely submerged.
Tourists caught in the chaos also shared their stories. “We were traveling towards Fairy Meadows when the road was suddenly blocked by a landslide. We couldn’t go forward or return,” said Hassan Mir, a tourist from Karachi. He and his family were later evacuated by a Pakistan Army helicopter after being stranded for over 12 hours.
Calls for Climate Action and Infrastructure Resilience
Experts have linked the disaster to increasing climate volatility in the region. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to hundreds of glaciers, and the region is particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced weather patterns such as cloudbursts, erratic rainfall, and glacier melts.
Environmentalists and climate scientists are calling on the government to adopt long-term adaptation strategies, including improved early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and enhanced community preparedness.
“There is an urgent need for investment in climate adaptation,” said Dr. Sameena Bibi, a climate researcher at Karakoram International University. “These incidents are no longer rare—they are becoming the new norm.”
Current Status and Outlook
As of the latest updates, rescue and relief operations are ongoing. Weather forecasts indicate that further rainfall is expected in the coming days, which could complicate rescue efforts and worsen flood conditions.
Authorities have asked all travelers and tourists to postpone non-essential visits to the region until the situation stabilizes. Citizens are also advised to keep monitoring alerts from official channels and avoid riverbanks and mountainous routes.
Conclusion
The natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan continues to draw visitors from around the world, but this recent disaster underscores the increasing risks faced by the region due to environmental degradation and extreme weather. While emergency services are doing their best to manage the crisis, long-term solutions and community preparedness are essential to mitigate future tragedies. Until then, the message from local authorities is clear: Stay away, stay safe, and let the mountains heal.
Reference: بارشیں اور کلاؤڈ برسٹ:دیامیر میں ایمرجنسی نافذ،سیاحوں کو فی الحال گلگت نہ آنے کا مشورہ