Heavy rainfall and cloudburst triggers flash floods in Ghizer and Hunza, parts of Gilgit, damaging homes, farmland and orchards while also blocking major roads and affecting electricity supplies.
Flash floods swept through several areas of Ghizer early on Saturday after intense rainfall. Houses, crops, and agricultural land were damaged in different locations.
Naubahar village was among the affected areas. Floodwater damaged the Gushgush Jamaat Khana as well.
The floods also blocked the road connecting Immit with Barjangle.
Power transmission lines along the route were also damaged, affecting electricity supplies and making conditions more difficult for local communities.
Landslides block Karakoram Highway
According to a Gilgit-Baltistan Police spokesperson, landslides completely blocked the highway between Sost and Khunjerab Top. Relevant government departments started work to clear the road and restore traffic.
Tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas until conditions improved.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Police said traffic had resumed on the KKH between Murtazaabad and Hassanabad in Hunza. This section had also been blocked by landslides before authorities cleared the route.
Authorities issue flood warnings
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of heavy rain and flash-flood risks in northern Pakistan.
The authority named Ghizer, Hunza and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan as flash-flood risked areas, and warned heavy rain could also trigger landslides.
NDMA advised people to avoid unnecessary travelling near streams, rivers and other flood prone locations.
The region has already experienced monsoon damage this year. NDMA data covering June 26 to September 5 shows that Ghizer recorded damage to four kilometres of roads and three bridges, while Hunza recorded damage to roads and three bridges.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions as restoration efforts proceed in the affected areas.