G-B declares 37 areas calamity-hit, imposes emergency after deadly rains

The government of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) has declared 37 flood-affected locations as calamity-hit zones and imposed an emergency to manage the crisis, officials said on Thursday. According to a notification issued by the region's Home Department, the affected areas include 12 sites in Diamer, nine in Gilgit, four each in Skardu and Shigar, five in Ghizer, two in Ghanche, and one each in Nagar and Kharmang. “Emergency has been enforced in all these areas,” the notification stated. Faizullah Firaq, spokesperson for the G-B government, said the floods have caused an estimated loss of Rs20 billion. At least 10 people have died, most of them tourists, and four others were injured and provided medical aid. “Between 10 to 15 tourists are still missing, and search operations are under way,” Firaq said, adding that 22 vehicles were swept away in the floods. He said the government has begun rehabilitation efforts using its own resources, launching Rs440 million worth of projects focused on water supply, electricity restoration, and repairing connecting roads. Relief supplies, including tents, blankets, food items, and kitchen sets, have already been distributed among the affected population, he added. “The restoration of 509 destroyed homes remains a major challenge,” the spokesperson said. “We hope the prime minister of Pakistan will extend support and help heal the wounds of the victims.” The region, known for its natural beauty and tourism, has seen a surge in climate-related disasters in recent years, with flash floods and glacial lake outbursts becoming increasingly common.

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