In the Yasin region of Gilgit-Baltistan, torrential rains triggered devastating floods that caused widespread destruction. Large swathes of agricultural land, orchards, standing crops, trees, canals, roads, and bridges were destroyed.
On Thursday, August 14th, while Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations were underway, dark clouds suddenly gathered around 2 PM. A heavy downpour followed, triggering flash floods from the surrounding mountains. Within moments, villages up to 10 kilometers away began to be devastated.
In the densely populated village of Taus in Yasin, a destructive flood coming from the Chashma stream above the main market, completely destroyed more than five houses and partially damaged several others, including the under-construction building of a higher secondary school. Two large water tanks were also destroyed, disrupting the area’s water supply.
In Sultanabad, near Ziyarat, floodwaters from the mountains completely destroyed two houses and partially damaged several others. The flood ruined agricultural lands, orchards, and standing crops. Debris filled two major canals supplying water to Taus and also covered the main road.
In Barkulti, floods from the mountains above Gamui damaged sections of the main highway, orchards, farmland, and canals at various places. A severe flood from the Silpe stream caused large-scale destruction on both sides of the stream, completely destroying several houses and partially damaging many others. An elderly man named Jang was swept away and lost his life.
When the flood blocked the Yasin River, a partial dam-like situation emerged under the Nasi Bridge. As water redirected from the blockage, it flowed toward the opposite side, damaging the village of Hilbi. Shortly after, the river’s blockage gave way, turning the pooled water under the bridge into a high-level flood surge. As the water advanced, erosion on both banks swept away several people’s land and forest areas into the river. The roads on both sides of the Barkulti RCC Bridge were also washed away. The family graveyard of the Ghalbashray family sustained partial damage. Reports say the floodwaters caused widespread erosion in Gamui, washing away land and trees.
In Sheghetan, floods from the mountains completely destroyed one house and partially damaged two others. The flood wiped out the land and orchards of seven people and filled the two main canals supplying water to Barkulti with debris.
Floods also damaged farmland in Hindur.
In Thoi, Dapas, and Harpo, the floods caused large-scale destruction, damaging numerous houses, a private school, a dispensary, and a power station. A young girl was swept away in the flood, and her body has not yet been found.
Floods also damaged several homes and farmlands in the villages of Sundi and Qirqalti in Yasin.
