Stranded Tourists Rescued from Flood-Hit Babusar Road

All 250 tourists stranded on Babusar Road in Gilgit-Baltistan have been safely rescued and moved to Chilas, officials confirmed on Wednesday. A search is still ongoing to find the remaining missing persons after recent flash floods.

Heavy rains and cloudbursts earlier this week caused severe flash floods in the Diamer district, killing at least five people — including four tourists — and leaving around 15 others missing. Dozens more were injured.

Rescue teams have also moved tourists stuck in the Deosai region to safer locations. Authorities have urged all travelers to avoid visiting Gilgit-Baltistan until weather and road conditions improve.

Silk Road and Babusar Road remain closed to regular traffic. Only small vehicles are allowed on certain parts of the Silk Route. Naran and Kaghan are also fully shut down due to road damage.

Free food and shelter have been arranged for affected travelers by local hotels and the government. However, the Karakoram Highway has once again been blocked in two locations, causing thousands of travelers to be stuck at different points.

Efforts are ongoing to restore road access up to Bisham. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan is expected to visit the flood-hit areas of Babusar Road today to personally review the situation.

Across the country, heavy rains and flooding have caused widespread damage. At least 13 more people died in various regions due to storms and floods, bringing the total monsoon death toll to 234.