The body of a three-year-old child swept away during a flash flood near Babusar Top was recovered on Wednesday evening, three days after a sudden deluge devastated parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The child, Abdul Hadi, was the son of Dr Mashal Fatima, who also lost her life in the same incident.
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday when a family returning from Skardu was caught in severe floodwaters near Babusar Top in the Diamer district. Abdul Hadi’s body was found near Dassar, several kilometres from the site, by locals who quickly informed the authorities. Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts recovered the body from a drain and moved it to a hospital in Chilas. Family members later collected the body after days of search operations.
Dr Mashal Fatima, a medical professional from Lodhran associated with Shahida Islam Medical College, and her brother-in-law, Fahad Islam, also perished in the incident. According to relatives, Fahad attempted to rescue both his aunt and Abdul Hadi but was overcome by the floodwaters. Their bodies were transported from Islamabad to Lodhran for burial.
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The flash flood, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, has caused widespread destruction. Rescue officials reported six confirmed deaths, with at least 18 tourists still missing. Ongoing rain, landslides, and blocked roads are hampering rescue operations, with the Karakoram Highway and Gilgit-Skardu Road among those closed.
A planned deployment of a C-130 aircraft was cancelled due to poor weather. Thousands of tourists remain stranded as authorities struggle to restore access. In Babusar Valley, the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister pledged continuous rescue efforts and restoration of road access within days.
Elsewhere in Astore and Thor valleys, at least three more fatalities have been confirmed. Flash floods have damaged infrastructure, homes, mosques, and farmland, forcing officials to declare multiple disaster zones across Diamer Valley.