Key points
- NDMA warns of the continued risk of flooding and landslides in northern Pakistan
- 328 people have died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to heavy rains, floods and landslides
- Severe weather across Gilgit Baltistan has caused extensive disruption
ISLAMABAD: Amid heightened risks of landslides and flash floods during the current monsoon season, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid travel to hilly and disaster-affected regions.
Radio Pakistan reported that 328 people have died while 143 were injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to heavy rains, floods, landslides and lightning strikes. It added that the countrywide death toll due to rain-related incidents stands at 344.
Authorities caution that in the event of further rains, the risk of additional landslides remains high.
NDMA has instructed relevant authorities to take immediate action to restrict tourism activities in vulnerable areas. Law enforcement agencies in tourist zones have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the new restrictions.
وزیراعظم کی ہدایت پر این ڈی ایم اے نے مون سون کی شدت کے باعث پہاڑی علاقوں میں سیاحت محدود کرنے کی ایڈوائزری جاری کر دی۔ خطرے سے دوچار سیاحتی علاقوں میں قانون نافذ کرنے والے ادارے پابندیوں پر عملدرآمد یقینی بنائیں۔
عوام سے گزارش ہے کہ متاثرہ علاقوں کا سفر کرنے سے گریز کریں۔ pic.twitter.com/FxoC0JT5KP
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) August 16, 2025
High-risk areas
Pakistan state-run news agency APP cited the NDMA’s advisory as saying, public movement in high-risk areas must be curtailed during active monsoon spells to safeguard lives and support emergency response efforts. The advisory also notes that Section 144 may be enforced, if necessary, to impose tourism curbs and maintain public safety.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel, and stay informed through verified official channels.
Severe weather across Gilgit-Baltistan and adjoining northern regions has caused extensive disruption to transport infrastructure, prompting urgent travel advisories, according to APP.
Widespread road closures
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised the public to avoid travel to northern areas, citing widespread road closures, landslides, and flood damage.
Several key routes have been rendered impassable. The Somro Bridge in Ghanche, the Saltoro Bridge and the Baghicha Bridge in Skardu have sustained significant damage and are currently unusable.
The Jaglot–Skardu Road remains completely suspended, while roads at Dayan, Thali Baroq, and Kalti in Ghizer are fully blocked.
Access to Gilgit, Jaglot, Guru, and Naltar has also been cut off. In addition, the Gilgit–Hunza corridor, including Gulmit and Gojal, and the Babusar Top route are entirely shut down, according to APP.
The NDMA has warned of the continued risk of flooding and landslides in Torghar, Battagram, Shangla, Lower Kohistan, Tata Pani, Gilgit, Hunza, and Swat. Tourists and travelers are strongly urged to postpone all non-essential trips and prioritize personal safety until conditions stabilize.
