ISLAMABAD: Authorities have declared 37 villages in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region “calamity-affected” after cloud burst-induced floods in the region, with the nationwide monsoon death toll nearing 300.
Torrential rains have continued to wreak havoc across Pakistan since June 26, claiming 295 lives, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The deceased include 138 children, while the NDMA said 700 people have also been injured.
In GB, Diamer, Skardu, Gilgit and Ghizer were among the districts worst hit by rains and floods this week, with human, livestock, property, infrastructure and crop losses. The situation has prompted authorities to launch immediate relief activities in these areas.
“Khalti upwards road is submerged due to flood,” the National Disaster Management Authority said. “Flash flood/cloudburst incident occurred in Ishkoman Ghizer, 100+ families were preemptively relocated to neighboring villages as a precautionary measure.”
It said an initial assessment of losses was underway.
