Rain floods take 5 lives in Gilgit – Baltistan, hundreds rendered homeless
PT Report
Gilgit, July 29: Five people were killed in different incidents related to the heavy rains that have paralyzed life in the mountainous Gilgit – Baltistan region. There are unconfirmed reports about death of three girls who reportedly fell into a torrent in Tangir valley of Diamir District. One person, reportedly, fell into the river in Khalti, Gupis. Another person was killed, reportedly, due to lightening in Chatorkhand village of Ishkoman Tehsil, Ghizar.
Noor Akbar adds: In Damas locality of Punial 6 houses came under water due to flooding but the inhabitants were safely rescued by the local population. Around 80 people were evacuated to safer locations in Hamuchal. Water channels of hydel power generation plants have been destroyed due to flooding and electricity supply disrupted across Ghizar district.
Ghizar – Chitral road has been washed away near Gich due to river bank erosion. Water level in torrents and streams has risen to dangerous level and attached areas are at danger of destruction. According to local people the destruction caused by current floods is unprecedented in the region’s history.
Abbas Wafa adds: In Gilgit hundreds of households were evacuated to safer location as water of the Gilgit River (Hanisara) entered the residential areas and destroyed several houses.
Fifteen personnel of a law enforcing agency were stuck in Baseen locality of Gilgit city due to heavy floods. Rescue efforts continued late into the night hindered by the flood and raining.
Chief Minister visited the flood affected areas along with cabinet members and directed the administration to facilitate the evacuated and stranded people.
Diamir: Several link roads have been damaged in Damir district, restricting mobility of the people and creating hurdles for supply of essential items. According to reports three girls fell into a flooded torrent and their dead bodies were later recovered by the local people.
Roads between Hunza – Nagar and Gilgit district have also been damaged due to heavy rains. Gilgit – Skardu road has also been blocked at several locations due to mud flow and boulder falls.
