Thousands of tourists to be airlifted from GB to Islamabad as landslides block routes

As natural calamities struck the scenic Gilgit-Baltistan region, thousands of visitors remain stranded at multiple locations due to roadblocks caused by landslides. Hoteliers and the local government have been providing complimentary accommodation. The tourists are likely to be airlifted to Islamabad today (Thursday), according to reports.

Spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, Faizullah Faraq said that all tourists have been rescued from Babusar Pass and transported to Chilas, while search operations continue for those still missing.

The spokesperson added that the Karakoram Highway is operational within Gilgit-Baltistan, but it faces blockages in the Kohistan region. Meanwhile, Babusar Pass remains inaccessible due to ongoing landslides in the area.

Those transported to safer locations are facing communication issues, as fiber optic cables were damaged by widespread rains and flooding in the Babusar Valley, rendering internet services unavailable.

Read more: Northern areas rocked by deadly flooding, cloudburst leaves 4 dead, 15 missing

However, partial connectivity has been restored after the local government arranged alternative satellite links.

The damaged fiber optic cables connect Gilgit-Baltistan’s communication system to Rawalpindi, and their disruption continues to affect internet access in the region.

Some tourists remain stranded in Danyore’s Manogah Nallah in Gilgit, while damage to the Hotu suspension bridge in Shigar has blocked the only route to the K2 base camp, leaving trekkers and foreign tourists trapped.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the government will arrange a C-130 sortie to transport the stranded tourists from Gilgit-Baltistan to Islamabad, free of charge.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister assured that search and rescue operations will continue until all missing tourists are located.