GILGIT:The continuous rains wrecked havoc in Gilgit-Baltistan by killing two people and damaging houses, crops, roads and communication system.

The residents complained that they had no access to other parts of the region and rest of the country.

They also told Dawn that scores of local and foreign tourists were stranded in various places.

The officials said floods hit three villages in Shigar district destroying over two dozen houses inGyanpi village and causing roof collapse, which killed Ali Hussain and son Hassan.

They said the rainwater suspended electric supply and traffic on link roads, while crops and cattle farms were damaged.

The residents of Chomik village in Skardu said they spent night in the open as the rainwater entered their houses.They complained about suspension of electric supply and telephone service.

The flooding of roads and power outages were also reported in Ghanche district.

A massive landslide blocked the main Astore Road at 10 places.

The residents said local and foreign tourists were stranded in Deosai plains, Rama and other areas of the district.

The landslides blocked the Karakoram Highway’s Gilgit-Chilas section in Tatipani areas, while traffic was suspended on link roads in Hunza, Nagar and Ghizer areas.

The outages of telephone and internet service were also reported.

A large number of tourists were stuck in Diamer areas.

The residents of Gilgit also complained about closure of roads and suspension of water and electric supply.

The GB Disaster Management Authority said relief and communication restoration operations had been launched in rain-affected areas.

According to the Met Office, Gilgit received 29 millimeters rain, Skardu 47.42 millimeters, Chilas 30.11 millimeters, Astore 71.9 millimeters rain in the current month.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2019