A series of flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across multiple areas of Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan, damaging homes, infrastructure, and stranding residents and tourists. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported that the floods struck early Monday at six different locations, compounding the region's already severe climate-related challenges. Main Developments Flooding was reported in Khanbari, Niyat, Thore, Gaspayan, Gasbala, Bunar, and other areas. In Thore Valley's Thunraka area, debris entered several homes while agricultural land, standing crops, and fruit trees suffered extensive damage. The main road in Thore Valley was washed away at multiple points, completely halting traffic. Power transmission lines were also damaged, cutting electricity supply to Thore Valley and surrounding regions, affecting thousands of residents. In the Niyat area of Chilas, floodwaters damaged link roads at several locations, suspending traffic and severely disrupting transportation for local communities. Read also: Ziarat attack protest enters fifth day as families refuse burial A particularly devastating flash flood in Khanbari swept away two houses along with their contents, and several livestock were lost. A private company working on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project faced heavy losses after 13 dumpers, an excavator, a crushing plant, and two water tankers were swept away, bringing development activities to a standstill. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) was blocked by landslides and debris at Bonar Das, causing long queues of vehicles on both sides. Passengers, including domestic and foreign tourists, remained stranded for several hours. Although traffic on the KKH was later restored, link roads to remote areas remained blocked, and power supply had not been restored in many affected areas. Background Gilgit-Baltistan is home to approximately 8,400 glaciers and more than 4,000 glacial lakes, making it highly vulnerable to climate change. Experts say the region is experiencing an unprecedented rise in climate-induced disasters, including cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Rising temperatures have accelerated glacier melting, leading to more frequent extreme weather events. Environmental expert Safdar Hussain told Dawn that the fragile ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan is increasingly under threat. "Rising temperatures in recent years have accelerated glacier melting, leading to more frequent cloudbursts and glacial lake outburst flood events," he said. The rapid depletion of ice cover poses long-term threats to water security in the region. River erosion has already damaged homes in Ghizer, Nagar, Shigar, Ghanche, and other districts, displacing dozens of families and destroying property. The National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) National Emergency Operations Centre has issued alerts warning of landslides and potential GLOFs. Why It Matters These recurring disasters severely disrupt livelihoods across Gilgit-Baltistan. Residents are also facing heatwaves, accelerated glacier melting, and landslides this summer, compounding the destruction. The floods have not only damaged homes and infrastructure but also halted critical development projects like the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which is vital for Pakistan's energy and water security. The disruption of the KKH, a crucial artery connecting Pakistan to China and Central Asia, has economic and logistical repercussions far beyond the immediate area. Stranded tourists and locals highlight the vulnerability of remote communities dependent on this road for access to markets, healthcare, and supplies. What's Next Affected residents have urged the Gilgit-Baltistan government, district administration, NDMA, and GBDMA to immediately launch relief operations, restore roads and power supply, and provide financial assistance to families. Officials have stated that all necessary arrangements are in place to respond to any potential GLOF emergency. However, with power and link roads still blocked in many areas, the immediate priority remains restoring basic services and assessing the full extent of the damage.