Over 1,000 Stranded in the Mountains as Disaster Unfolds

 

On the night of 22 July 2025, flash floods and landslides struck the high altitude region of Babusar Top, located in the Diamer District of Gilgit Baltistan. The intense rainfall caused road closures and triggered landslides that left more than 1,000 people stranded at over 13,000 feet above sea level. The NDMA issued an urgent appeal for immediate assistance as access to the region was cut off from both sides.

In response, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan  launched a joint relief operation in coordination with NDMA and the Commandant FCNA. Given the region’s remote terrain and critical weather conditions, this operation tested the preparedness and agility of the relief network  and Alkhidmat delivered.

 

 

Alkhidmat’s Swift Deployment on the Ground

 

Recognizing the urgency, Alkhidmat activated its disaster response teams and dispatched both personnel and emergency vehicles. These included:

• 1 Mobile Health Unit (MHU)

• 2 fully equipped ambulances

• 2 rescue bikes capable of navigating mountainous terrain

• Local trained volunteers from nearby Gilgit Baltistan units

These units reached the affected areas to assist in search, rescue, and immediate relief delivery  even in zones inaccessible by larger vehicles.

 

 

 

Relief Delivered: Food, Medical Aid, and Compassion

 

Upon reaching stranded individuals, Alkhidmat teams prioritized life saving needs. In freezing temperatures and with no access to food, over 500 people were provided freshly cooked meals, prepared on emergency stoves brought in by volunteers. Additionally, 100 food packages containing dry rations were distributed to families awaiting evacuation or safe passage.

Medical teams accompanying the operation also treated cases of:

• Dehydration and fatigue due to cold and lack of food

• Minor injuries sustained during landslides

• Altitude-related complications in elderly and children

The deployment of the Mobile Health Unit allowed emergency care to be provided directly on site, a crucial factor in preventing escalation of health risks.

 

The Terrain: A Race Against Time

 

Babusar Top, connecting Kaghan Valley with Chilas, is one of Pakistan’s most scenic but hazardous routes especially during monsoon season. With sharp cliffs, narrow passes, and unpredictable weather, even a small landslide can isolate hundreds. In this case, multiple road collapses and continuous rain meant that conventional rescue operations were delayed increasing the urgency of immediate ground based support.

The success of Alkhidmat’s initial response showcases the importance of localized, mobile, and community rooted rescue networks in such inaccessible zones.

 

 

Coordination with NDMA and FCNA: A Seamless Partnership

“Our teams are working in direct coordination with NDMA and Commandant FCNA to evacuate stranded individuals and provide urgent medical and food assistance,” reported an Alkhidmat volunteer from the field.

بابوسر ٹاپ سے تازہ ترین:
"الخدمت کی ٹیمیں این ڈی ایم اے کے ساتھ مل کر متاثرہ علاقوں میں پھنسے افراد کو نکالنے کے لیے سرچ اینڈ ریسکیو کا کام کر رہی ہیں، اور الخدمت رضاکاروں نے ریسکیو کیے گئے 500 افراد کو پکا پکایا کھانا بھی فراہم کیا۔

 

 

 

A Call to Action

 

Alkhidmat’s swift and coordinated response at Babusar Top was only possible due to its well trained volunteers, mobile relief assets, and  most importantly your support. With flash floods and climate induced emergencies rising across Pakistan, there has never been a more critical time to invest in agile humanitarian networks.

If you'd like to support ongoing relief and rescue efforts then donate at: alkhidmat.org/donate