Gilgit-Baltistan floods have caused around Rs20 billion in damages in the province.
The province’s Chief Minister (CM), Haji Gulbar Khan, has confirmed the damage and urged financial assistance of Rs7 billion to begin recovery efforts.
Loss in Gilgit-Baltistan
According to the CM, the main infrastructure was destroyed due to Gilgit-Baltistan floods, along with the loss of 10 lives.
He also wrote a letter to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif for the aid and urged him to officially declare Gilgit-Baltistan a disaster-hit area.
It is pertinent to mention that over 100 houses were destroyed.
A cloudburst in the province has further worsened the situation.
According to the reports, some tourists are stuck in the area. In this regard, a C-130 aircraft will also be deployed in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for emergency evacuation. A total of 300 tourists have been safely saved so far.
Currently, for the affected travellers hotel management is providing free places to stay.
Warning issued after Gilgit-Baltistan floods
In another development, a travel advisory has been issued, warning tourists against travelling to the area.
More rain and cloudbursts are expected in the coming week, and more damage is expected.
In addition to this, the police and district administration have set up control centres to assist travellers and thoroughly monitor emergencies for the tourists’ safety.
According to reports, the country experienced a 73 per cent increase in monsoon rainfall this year.
Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.
