Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif directs early monsoon warnings following devastating landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan region
Gilgit-Baltistan, a region strategically located as Pakistan's only land route to China, is currently facing the brunt of the monsoon season. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala could rise to low flood levels in the next three days, raising concerns about potential crop, livestock, and property losses downstream.
The monsoon season, which began on June 26, has already claimed 312 lives and injured 740 people nationwide. In Gilgit-Baltistan, seven people have died due to flash floods triggered by mudslides in the past 24 hours. The limited infrastructure in the region leaves it vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, and landslides.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and PMD are providing weather forecasts and flood alerts, warning of torrential rains and flash flood risks in vulnerable areas like Gilgit-Baltistan. However, the extreme nature of weather events such as cloudbursts—a sudden, intense downpour—limits the lead time and predictability of these warnings, making rapid onset floods particularly damaging.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of floods include monitoring and reinforcing river corridors and nullahs, as settlements in Gilgit-Baltistan have increasingly encroached into flood-prone areas. Despite these efforts, many villages suffered severe inundation during the 2025 monsoon, indicating that infrastructure and natural defenses remain inadequate for the scale of the disasters.
The NDMA coordinates with provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA), UN agencies, and humanitarian partners to mobilize relief and response operations, including provision of emergency supplies and rescue operations. The increasing frequency of severe floods highlights the urgent need for strengthening resilience—both through improved early warning technology and infrastructure upgrades adapted to climate change-influenced risks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for advance alerts for residents of areas vulnerable during the monsoon season. The NDMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, is working towards making the early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan fully operational. The authority has also been urged to strengthen its coordination with the provinces for assistance and rehabilitation of victims of the recent rains and flooding.
Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its towering peaks, glaciers, and fast-running streams, is one of Pakistan's most popular tourist destinations. However, the ongoing monsoon floods underscore the need for stronger disaster management measures to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists in the region. Continued investment in adaptive infrastructure, community preparedness, and enhanced forecasting is imperative to mitigate the impact of future monsoon floods.
The United Nations (UN) agencies and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are actively supporting flood-affected communities with shelter, non-food items, and critical services to aid displacement and recovery. The NDMA has updated the prime minister on relief operations for recent rain and flood victims and preparedness for future emergencies. Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, the top NDMA official, briefed the prime minister on the progress towards making the early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan fully operational.
- The general-news coverage has reported rising concerns due to the increase in accidents, injuries, and deaths caused by flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, as a result of the monsoon season.
- In the world of art, various artists have depicted the beauty of Arabia's deserts, but the recent unprecedented floods in Gilgit-Baltistan have prompted discussions on the disaster-prone nature of the region.
- Crime and justice reports have highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in managing relief and response operations, given the scale of loss and destruction caused by the floods in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- As the weather in Gilgit-Baltistan continues to pose a threat, the United Nations and various news outlets are closely monitoring the situation, providing updates on the recovery efforts and the rehabilitation of affected communities.
