Cloudburst Causes Flash Floods and Damage in Chilas

CHILAS: A cloudburst in Chilas triggered flash floods in parts of Diamer district, causing widespread damage to houses, crops, orchards and local roads, according to local reports.

The flooding was reported in Khunbari Valley, also referred to in some reports as Khanbari or Khanberi, where heavy rain sent water and debris through residential and agricultural areas. Floodwater damaged dozens of houses and swept through cultivated land, leaving residents facing losses to standing crops, fruit orchards, trees and stored timber.

Local reports said link roads were also damaged or washed away, cutting off access to several remote settlements. Areas including Manikal, Shahi Mahal, Bichi Nala and Lainchar were among the locations reported to be affected by road disruption.

Residents in the impacted areas said the sudden flooding left them with damaged homes, blocked routes and limited access to essential supplies. The destruction of connecting roads has made movement difficult for local communities and could delay relief, assessment and repair work in the valley.

Police and local administration teams were reported to be assessing the scale of damage. No confirmed casualty figure was available in the initial reports.

Chilas and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan remain vulnerable to flash floods during intense rain spells because of steep mountain terrain, narrow valleys and fast-moving seasonal streams. Cloudbursts can release heavy rainfall over a small area in a short time, quickly turning dry or low-flow channels into dangerous flood routes.

Authorities are expected to continue damage assessment and road restoration efforts in the affected areas. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to avoid streams, damaged roads and flood channels during further rainfall.

 

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