Thousands Stranded as Landslides Block Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Gilgit-Baltistan
By Jamil Nagri | Updated July 24, 2025
ASKOLI (Gilgit-Baltistan) – Severe flooding and multiple landslides triggered by glacial melt have blocked major roads in Gilgit-Baltistan, including the strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH), leaving thousands of locals and tourists, including foreigners, stranded. Communication networks were also severely affected due to damage to the region’s main fibre optic cable.
Hotu Suspension Bridge Collapses, Cutting Off K2 Base Camp
A surge of glacial meltwater from the Baltoro Glacier has collapsed the Hotu suspension bridge, the sole access route to the K2 base camp and eight nearby villages. Trekkers and residents remain stranded on both sides of the river in the Shigar district.
Landslides Block Karakoram Highway and Babusar Pass
According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the KKH remains blocked at Achar Nallah in Kohistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Thousands of passengers en route to and from GB are stranded due to the road closure. Though the highway has been cleared within GB territory, restoration in Kohistan is still in progress.
Simultaneously, Babusar Pass Road is blocked at multiple points, disrupting traffic between Diamer and the rest of Pakistan.
Tourists Rescued, Provided Free Accommodation in Chilas
All stranded tourists on the Babusar route have been successfully rescued and relocated to Chilas, where local hoteliers and government agencies are offering free lodging. Search operations continue for those reported missing.
Mobile, Internet Services Disrupted Across GB
A six-hour communication blackout hit the region after flash floods in Babusar Valley severely damaged the main fibre optic cable connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to Rawalpindi. The Special Communications Organisation (SCO) confirmed that while emergency satellite services were deployed, connectivity remained extremely slow. Restoration work is now underway.
Calls for Helicopter Rescue in Manogah Nallah
Deputy Speaker Sadia Danish has voiced urgent concern for the safety of 40 people stranded in Manogah Nallah, near Danyore (Gilgit). She has called for immediate helicopter evacuation, emphasizing that saving lives must remain the top priority.
She praised the Pakistan Army, GB authorities, local volunteers, and residents for their joint efforts in ongoing rescue operations. Many locals have opened their homes, mosques, imambargahs, and hotels to provide refuge for those affected.
Disaster Zones Declared in Diamer District
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has declared flood-hit areas in Diamer, including Thaki, Niyat, Khunra, and Thor, as official disaster zones. Families who lost loved ones in the Babusar floods will receive government compensation, and immediate steps have been ordered to restore drinking water, electricity, irrigation, and road infrastructure.
The chief minister, along with Adviser on Forests Haji Shah Baig and Agriculture Minister Engineer Anwar, visited affected communities to oversee emergency response efforts.
C-130 Airlift Operation Scheduled for Stranded Tourists
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has arranged a C-130 aircraft to airlift stranded travelers from Gilgit to Islamabad, expected to take place today (Thursday). The operation will be supervised by Gilgit’s Additional Deputy Commissioner and offered free of charge.