In response to worsening Pakistan monsoon floods, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has initiated emergency airlifts to evacuate stranded domestic and international tourists from Gilgit-Baltistan.
As torrential rains continue to batter multiple regions, low-lying and mountainous areas in northern Pakistan have become increasingly inaccessible. With landslides and road blockages cutting off key routes, the NDMA announced that a C-130 aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force will carry out evacuation flights starting Thursday, July 24.
NDMA Airlifts Tourists to Safety
The NDMA airlifts tourists operation was confirmed by Gilgit’s local administration, who shared that special arrangements had been made in coordination with the military. All affected individuals are being urged to provide necessary personal details, including full name, national identity card number, and their guardian’s name, to facilitate inclusion on the evacuation manifest.
Tourists seeking further assistance or clarification have been advised to contact the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Gilgit. This emergency response underscores NDMA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and foreigners caught in the extreme weather crisis.
Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc Nationwide
The airlift comes at a time when Pakistan monsoon floods have intensified, bringing tragic consequences across the country. In the last 24 hours alone, 13 people lost their lives due to rain-related incidents. An additional 13 individuals sustained injuries in accidents involving structural collapse, electrocution, and flash flooding.
The NDMA reported that Punjab witnessed the highest number of casualties, with seven deaths recorded. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) followed with three fatalities, while Islamabad reported two deaths, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) confirmed one casualty.
NDMA Urges Vigilance as Rains Continue
With further rainfall expected over the coming days, the NDMA has issued fresh advisories urging citizens to stay away from vulnerable zones such as riverbanks, slopes, and poorly constructed buildings. The authority emphasized the need for proactive safety measures in regions forecasted to receive continued downpours.
The ongoing Pakistan monsoon floods have already caused widespread infrastructure damage, displacements, and transportation delays — especially in hilly areas like Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, and parts of southern Punjab.
Coordination Across Agencies
The NDMA airlifts tourists’ operation is part of a larger coordinated response involving the Pakistan Army, provincial disaster authorities, and civil administration units. Rescue efforts are being scaled up in rural and hard-to-reach locations where traditional access routes remain blocked.
Additionally, weather monitoring systems have been activated to ensure timely alerts reach communities at risk, and temporary shelters are being set up in flood-prone districts.
A Wake-Up Call Amid the Climate Crisis
This year’s Pakistan monsoon floods once again highlight the growing threat of extreme weather events triggered by climate change. As the country continues to face more erratic and destructive rain patterns, there’s a growing need for long-term infrastructure planning and public education on climate resilience.
