In a major natural disruption, thousands of people — including foreign tourists — have been left stranded in Gilgit Baltistan, a part of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), following a series of rain-triggered landslides that have blocked major roads and highways across the region.

According to multiple media reports from Pakistan, the region has been witnessing relentless rainfall for several days, which has led to the collapse of mountain slopes, causing roadblocks at multiple key points, cutting off towns and villages from the rest of the territory.

The affected areas include strategic travel corridors connecting Gilgit to Skardu, Hunza, Nagar and Astore, all of which are popular tourist destinations, particularly among trekking and mountaineering groups from around the world.

Fibre Optic Cables Damaged, Services Down

The disruption has been compounded by the widespread breakdown of communication infrastructure. Officials confirmed that fibre optic cables have been damaged at various locations, resulting in a complete blackout of mobile and internet services across large parts of Gilgit Baltistan.

This sudden communication shutdown has created panic among tourists and local residents alike, especially those seeking urgent assistance. Emergency responders and government personnel are facing difficulties in coordinating relief due to the interruption of both phone and internet networks.

Residents reported that even banking services have been impacted, as many branches and ATMs rely on internet connectivity.

A local hotelier in Skardu told regional media, “We have international guests who cannot reach their families. There is no mobile signal and internet is down. We are completely cut off.”

Thousands Trapped at Tourist Hubs

Tour operators in Pakistan confirmed that hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists are among those stranded in affected areas. The tourist season in Gilgit Baltistan usually peaks in July, drawing large crowds for adventure tourism, glacier expeditions, and cultural exploration.

In particular, Skardu Airport, which serves as the main aerial entry point into the region, has reportedly been shut for two days, due to both weather conditions and operational blockages. Many travellers are stuck in mountain lodges, base camps, and highway-side hotels, awaiting rescue or restoration of road access.

Emergency Response Underway

Authorities under the Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) have mobilised earth movers, excavators, and military support to clear roads, particularly the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is the lifeline of the region.

An official from GBDMA said, “Continuous rainfall has made road-clearing operations difficult. We are trying to first open the critical links so that relief supplies can be sent and people can be evacuated.”

In addition, Pakistan Army units stationed in the area are assisting with logistics and rescue coordination. Helicopters have been kept on standby for medical emergencies and supply drops, though low visibility has delayed many such efforts.

Infrastructure Strain and Economic Disruption

The landslides have once again highlighted the fragility of infrastructure in Gilgit Baltistan, a region prone to land erosion, glacier melt, and sudden cloudbursts. Local businesses, especially in the hospitality and transport sectors, have suffered significant losses.

Markets in Gilgit and Skardu remained shut as supply chains were disrupted. Fuel shortages are being reported as petrol tankers and cargo trucks are stuck en route from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is working with field engineers to repair the fibre optic network, but sources indicate it may take several more days to restore connectivity in some remote valleys.

Political Fallout and Administrative Response

Several local political leaders have criticised the slow pace of response and inadequate infrastructure. Activists in PoK are demanding that the federal government in Islamabad declare a state of emergency in the region, while others have called for long-term investment in weather-resistant roads and communication systems.

The lack of early warning mechanisms has also been flagged, with many saying that the authorities failed to issue landslide advisories despite days of rainfall and weather alerts.

A Recurring Crisis

This is not the first time that landslides have paralysed Gilgit Baltistan. The region, nestled deep in the Himalayan ranges, is extremely vulnerable to sudden topographical shifts triggered by climate change.

Environmentalists have noted that glacial retreat, deforestation, and unregulated construction have worsened the risk of landslides. The current crisis has reignited calls for climate adaptation measures and sustainable development in the ecologically fragile zone.

As of now, rescue efforts are underway, and weather conditions remain unpredictable. Officials are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and to wait for formal advisories before attempting movement in or out of the region.

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