Army launches helicopter relief operations for stranded tourists

GILGIT: Relief operations have been launched with the support of the Pakistan Army to assist passengers stranded along the Babusar Road.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan has directed all concerned departments to enhance the effectiveness of the ongoing relief efforts.

Additional heavy machinery has been deployed to the affected areas to support rescue and restoration operations.

More than 50 tourists, who had taken temporary shelter in nearby homes along Babusar Road, have been successfully relocated to Chilas, the spokesperson confirmed.

Helicopter operations are underway to deliver food packages to remote and affected locations, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

Earlier, a devastating cloudburst near Nala Thak in the Babusar Top area has triggered severe flash flooding, sweeping away more than 30 vehicles.

Rescue teams, including Pakistan Army personnel, emergency services, and local volunteers, are actively engaged in search and relief operations. So far, five bodies of tourists have been recovered from the debris and floodwaters, according to rescue authorities.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Diamer reported that three of the bodies were retrieved late last night, while two more were found early this morning. However, over 14 tourists are still missing, and search efforts are ongoing.

A stretch of approximately 8 kilometers has been rendered inaccessible due to massive boulders blocking the roadway. Heavy machinery has been dispatched from the Naran side to clear the blocked road and facilitate rescue efforts, the DC confirmed.

During the rescue operation, a bag containing Rs. 2.5 million in cash was also recovered, raising concerns about the scale of loss experienced by the victims.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has been delivering food packages to stranded tourists, ensuring that basic necessities reach those still trapped in remote and affected areas.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in a statement that the incident occurred around 3:30 PM when a cloudburst struck the Babusar Road stretch between Jal and Diyung, affecting approximately 7 to 8 kilometers.

The area sustained heavy damage, with 14 to 15 major blockages caused by landslides, debris, and flash floods.

Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police Diamer visited the site and managed to reach the midpoint.