GILGIT: Speedy melting of glaciers caused by heatwave and intermittent rains in different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan triggered flash floods in streams, nullahs and rivers, sweeping away a wooden bridge, damaging another, blocking roads and stranding local and foreign tourists in different areas of the region.

Flash floods also damaged crops, agriculture land, uprooted trees and disconnected several villages from other GB areas.

Officials of the local adm­inistration said a flash flood swept away a wooden bridge linking Finna village with other areas.

Another concrete bridge was damaged extensively by the flood water, making it unusable for the people.

Torrents also damage crops, agriculture land, uproot trees and disconnect villages with other GB areas

There is a serious threat that this bridge might collapse any time.

Official sources said that Astore-Deosai Road has been blocked at various points, stranding several local international tourists in different areas of GB.

Local people have also been facing serious difficulties due to damaged roads at several places.

Speedy melting of glacier due to heatwave caused flash flood in Hoper nullah of Nagar district, damaging private properties and several roads and bridges downstream.

In Naltar Valley flash floods severed links of some villages with other areas of the region.

Rescue of tourists ordered

Taking notice of the flood situation in GB, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has orde­red the National Disaster Manag­ement Authority (NDMA) to rescue the tourists stranded in Astore.

The prime minister held a telephone call with NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik and asked him to take steps to rescue the marooned tourists as soon as possible.

He also directed the NDMA chief to provide alternative routes to the tourists and local people of Finna village.

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The NDMA on Friday informed the prime minister that foreign tourists in flash flood-hit area of Astore are safe and they are at a distant place from the affected area.

Later in its report submitted to the prime minister, the NDMA said it took immediate action on to rescue foreign and local tourists from the flood-affected areas.

The report said that two Italian and an Argentinian tourist were safe and at a distant place from the affected area.

It said that work has been under way to ensure swift restoration of the damaged Finna bridge.

GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has directed all departments concerned to stay alert in view of forecast of more rains in the region.

On August 11, landslides and flash floods triggered by monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Kushnat, Pakora, Mominabad and other villages of Astore, killing two children and damaging 17 homes completely.

The floods also destro­yed a veterinary hospital, a private school, several shops, cattle sheds, agricultural land, trees and crops.

The affected people have been demanding alte­r­native accommodation as 17 families have been made homeless by the flood.

Syed Irfan Raza in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2024