Floods, landslides leave 9 dead in G-B

GILGIT:

At least nine people have lost their lives as torrential rains continue to unleash floods and landslides across Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), officials confirmed on Friday, with dozens more injured and the search still ongoing for those feared missing.

According to G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the dead include two women and two children. "The number of people swept away by floodwater could be around 12 to 14," he said in a statement, adding that efforts were still underway to trace the missing.

Faraq added that more than a dozen people had sustained injuries in the unfolding disaster, while over 300 tourists stranded in various parts of the region had been rescued so far.

Describing the scale of destruction, Faraq said, "In total, more than 500 houses have been destroyed due to the floods and about 12 kilometres of roads have been destroyed as well".

He further detailed that 27 bridges and 22 vehicles had also been washed away, in addition to "countless shops, cattle sheds and logs of timber".

He acknowledged the critical role played by the Pakistan Army and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts in both rescue and search efforts, which are being carried out in extremely challenging conditions due to the persistent weather and terrain disruptions.

With several areas cut off, authorities are now racing to restore basic utilities. "Efforts are also underway to provide water and electricity to thousands of people who are now deprived of these facilities as a result of damage to the water supply and electricity grids," Faraq said.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast intense monsoon activity in the coming week, warning of heavy rainfall across several regions of the country from July 27 to July 31.

According to the Met Office, monsoon currents are gaining strength, with widespread downpours expected during the five-day spell.

The department has specifically cautioned that between July 27 and July 30, flash flooding is likely in streams and seasonal rivers (nullahs), particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, G-B and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where rain accompanied by strong winds is expected.

From July 28 to July 31, several districts in Punjab are also likely to receive rainfall with thunder and lightning, while southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan have also been placed under a rain advisory.

The Met Department has warned of urban flooding in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot, and advised both travellers and tourists to exercise caution in light of potential landslides in vulnerable regions.

It further warned that areas with weak infrastructure may face structural damage and disruptions due to the upcoming weather conditions.

Punjab monsoon

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday issued a fresh monsoon alert, forecasting the fifth spell of monsoon rains across most parts of the province from July 28 to July 31.

According to the PDMA spokesperson, widespread rainfall is expected during this period in the districts of Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Hafizabad.

Other districts likely to experience rain include Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad and Okara.

The PDMA also predicted rainfall in Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur from July 29 to 31.

Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert in view of the anticipated weather situation.

He cautioned that there is a risk of urban flooding in major urban centres, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Faisalabad.

The PDMA has instructed departments, including civil defence, Rescue 1122 and other allied agencies, to ensure pre-emptive arrangements are fully in place. "In compliance with the directives of the Punjab chief minister, all relevant departments have been issued a state of alert," said DG Irfan Ali Kathia.

He further ordered that emergency control rooms remain fully staffed and active, while Rescue 1122's disaster response teams be kept on high alert.

In a warning to the public, the PDMA urged citizens to follow precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in vulnerable areas.

"There is a heightened risk of landslides in hilly regions such as Murree and Galiyat, while fragile and mud-structured buildings may suffer damage due to heavy rainfall," the PDMA stated.

"Passengers and tourists are advised to remain cautious due to the expected weather and avoid non-essential travel," the spokesperson added.

In the case of urban or flash flooding, the public is advised to seek shelter in safe places and not attempt to drive through flowing water. For any emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129, the spokesperson noted.