Key points
- Flood has washed away 15 vehicles: Government spokesperson
- Two bodies from Lodhran (Punjab) have been recovered so far
- Aid is being provided to flood-hit people in GB
ISLAMABAD: Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan have stated that a rescue operation is underway to search for missing tourists following heavy rains and floods in the area.
In a statement, GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said that the flood washed away 15 vehicles. He added that two bodies from Lodhran (Punjab) have been recovered so far.
Medical aid
He stated that medical aid is being provided to injured tourists, adding that the Government of GB will utilise all its resources to recover the missing people in the area.
The spokesperson said that an emergency has also been imposed in Chilas Hospital after heavy rains and floods. He noted that the government is providing tents and rations to the flood-hit people in GB.
Faraq reported that more than eight kilometres of the Babusar Highway has been damaged due to floodwaters.
Karakoram Highway
He added that the Babusar Highway is closed at 20 locations within the limits of Diamer due to flooding. He also mentioned that the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and Naran-Babusar Highway are closed to traffic due to heavy rains and floods in the area.
The spokesperson said that the Pakistan Army is also taking part in the rescue efforts in GB. He noted that helicopters, in cooperation with the Pakistan Army, will also be used during the rescue operation if the situation demands.
He said that the chief minister of GB has issued directives to restore flood-hit roads on a priority basis.
