Flash floods kill 10 in Pakistan’s north; TV anchor and family among missing

At least 10 people have died and several others remain missing -- including a private television anchor and her family -- after a series of powerful flash floods swept through Pakistan’s mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region over the past week.

Among those unaccounted for is Shabana Liaqat, an anchor for Khyber TV, who was traveling with her husband and children when they were reportedly caught in the floods.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, Liaqat last made contact with her family from Skardu, after which all communication was lost. Her relatives have since alerted the authorities.

“All those reported missing, including Liaqat and her family, were likely swept away by flash floods that struck multiple locations across Gilgit-Baltistan on July 22,” Faraq told Nukta.

Floods devastate GB, rescue efforts ongoing

Faraq said the recent floods caused widespread damage, especially in the Chilas area, where eight of the ten confirmed deaths were reported. He added that the floods struck at least seven to eight different sites, affecting both locals and tourists.

Search and rescue operations have been stepped up along the Babusar Pass highway, a scenic but vulnerable mountain route popular among travelers. While all stranded tourists in the Fairy Meadows region have now been rescued, several people remain missing, including Liaqat’s family.

The region’s chief minister has directed officials to expedite ongoing rescue, search, and clearance efforts. “Massive debris along the Babusar Pass is making operations extremely difficult, but community members and volunteers are supporting emergency teams,” Faraq said.

Key highway reopens partially

Heavy rains and cloudbursts had triggered landslides that blocked the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad-Babusar-Chilas Highway (N-15), cutting off parts of Gilgit-Baltistan for several days.

However, according to the Ministry of Communications, key sections of the 242-kilometre route have now been cleared.

“Landslides have been removed at 20 points, and clearance work is underway at five remaining sites,” the ministry said in a statement. The Babusar-Naran Highway has also been partially reopened, allowing one-way traffic to resume at several spots.

Faraq added that heavy machinery has been deployed and full restoration of the highway is expected within 72 hours. Authorities have urged travelers to exercise caution as road conditions remain unstable.

Since the onset of monsoon rains on June 26, at least 279 people have died and 676 others have been injured across Pakistan as of July 27 -- with the toll continuing to rise.