Rawalpindi/Diamer/Islamabad, July 22, 2025: As monsoon rains and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) wreak havoc across northern Pakistan, two tragic incidents—one at Babusar Top in Gilgit-Baltistan and another in Islamabad—have shocked the nation, underscoring the growing dangers posed by extreme weather.
A severe cloudburst near Babusar Top in Diamer district triggered sudden flash floods on Sunday night, sweeping away vehicles, homes, and vital infrastructure. At least five people have died, and 15 are still missing, including domestic tourists, according to Deputy Commissioner Attaullah Kakar.
A massive rescue operation involving the Pakistan Army’s Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA), local administration, and volunteers led to the evacuation of more than 200 stranded tourists, who were relocated to Chilas and provided shelter.
According to authorities 30 vehicles were swept away by raging waters, A wheat depot, girls’ school, four bridges, police posts, and two mosques were destroyed in Babusar and its adjoining areas and over 100 houses were completely demolished across the region.
The Thack-Babusar Road remains closed, and a state of emergency has been declared in the area. Tourists have been strongly advised to evacuate, and six construction companies have been ordered to dispatch heavy machinery for road clearance and retrieval efforts.
In a separate heartbreaking incident, a retired army officer and his daughter went missing in Islamabad’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 5, after their car was swept away by surging rainwater during a heavy downpour on Monday.
According to police:
- The victims, identified as Colonel (Retd) Ishaq Qazi and his 25-year-old daughter, were traveling in a grey Honda City when their car stalled on a flooded road.
- As the retired officer tried to restart the vehicle, a powerful current dragged it into a nearby drain.
- Rescue 1122, police, and DHA staff launched a search operation; a car bumper was later recovered.
- A video circulating online shows the car being swept away as bystanders helplessly looked on.
Search and rescue efforts continued into Tuesday evening, with divers deployed to recover the bodies.
Nationwide toll and warnings
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
- 234 people have died and 596 injured nationwide since the monsoon began on June 26.
- The highest number of casualties—135 deaths—occurred in Punjab, followed by KP (56), Sindh (24), and Balochistan (16).
- Over 61% of deaths were due to house collapses.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued fresh warnings for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, forecasting more rains and the risk of GLOFs, flash floods, and landslides in vulnerable regions.
Relief and restoration efforts underway
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed authorities to expedite relief and rehabilitation operations.
The Pakistan Army, FWO, NHA, and local administrations are working to reopen the Karakoram Highway, Jaglot-Skardu Road, and blocked routes in Tatta Pani, Jalipur, and Gandola Nullah.
An emergency telecom advisory has also been issued by PTA to ensure uninterrupted communication in affected areas.
