GILGIT: Torrential rains triggered flash floods, damaging roads, houses, standing crops and disrupting electricity supply in Diamer district here on Monday.

Hundreds of tourists, including foreigners, got stuck as the Karakoram Highway and Babusar road were blocked at different points.

Police said flash floods damaged dozens of houses, standing crops and link roads in different parts of Diamer district, forcing the administration to declare an emergency.

A thunderstorm caused suspension of electricity supply to the Gilgit city.

Flooding in Thorgah nullah blocked the main road connecting Ghanche area of Skardu with Kharmang.

According to a press release issued by the GB tourism department, visitors to the region should contact the tourist police and Rescue 1122 before embarking on the journey.

Fida Hussain, Director General Rescue 1122, said in view of the current situation leaves of staffers had been cancelled. He said the rescue personnel would remain present at their respective stations round the clock to meet with any eventuality.

He said district officers of Rescue 1122 had been directed to take all necessary steps in view of the monsoon rains.

Meanwhile, relief goods, including food items, were distributed among the affected people of Badsuwat village of Ghizer, which was hit by glacial lake outburst flood the other day.

Ghizer deputy commissioner Zameer Abbas distributed the items.

Pak Army helicopters also dropped relief items, including ration and tents, to the flood victims.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2021