CHILAS: Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of five tourists who went missing after flash floods swept through Babusar Top in Gilgit-Baltistan, as per the report on Tuesday.
The devastating floods were triggered by a cloudburst in Chilas, washing away over 15 vehicles carrying tourists.
So far, five bodies have been found while four others have been rescued. Search operations are still underway to locate the remaining missing individuals.
Faizullah Faraq, the spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing, though nightfall had earlier delayed operations.
Over 200 stuck tourists have been safely evacuated with the help of locals and authorities. Residents of Thak Babusar have welcomed more than 100 of them into their homes.
Hotels and guest houses across the city have opened their doors free of charge to offer shelter to those affected.
Authorities advise people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially as around 20 points on Babusar Road and the Silk Route have been blocked, with roughly 8 kilometers of road badly damaged.
The government has started distributing food supplies and tents in the affected areas. Meanwhile, cloudbursts and landslides in the Diamer district have also caused multiple closures along the Karakoram Highway.
On the orders of the Chairman of the National Highway Authority, teams have been dispatched to begin restoring access to the damaged routes.