GILGIT: Flash floods and landslides blocked major roads and destroyed bridges across Gilgit-Baltistan as torrential rains continued to lash the mountainous region for the second consecutive day on Thur­sday, leaving a large number of locals and tourists stranded.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rains will continue till July 26. Floods blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Babusar Road, Baltistan Road, Naltar Highway, Ghizer-Shandur Road, Astore Valley Road and several other routes connecting various remote areas with major cities.

The GB Disaster Manag­ement Authority (GBDMA) said the KKH had been blocked at multiple sections from Dasu to Hunza and Nagar districts. Floods also severely damaged roads, communication bridges, farmlands, and infrastructure in various areas of Kharmang, Ghanche and Shigar districts. In Skardu, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area of Rondu subdivision washed away at least three important communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge. Suspension bridges and powerhouses were also damaged in floods in Haramosh.

Similarly, electricity and water supply systems were disrupted, suspending communication services in Astore, Tangir, Thore and other areas of Diamer. Dozens of families in Losala village of Astore, Thore Valley, Tangir in Diamer and other areas were rendered homeless as a result of floods and landslides.

Furthermore, drinking water schemes, irrigation channels and protective embankments were destroyed, while several villages were cut off from one another.

A day earlier, Astore’s Communication and Works Department said a severe landslide at Kachek had diverted the Astore River towards the road, causing erosion and damage to the Astore Valley Road.

Rising water levels in the Hunza-Nagar River placed eight households in Gilgit’s Jutal area at risk.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026