Hunza River Floods Block Karakoram Highway, Strand Travelers in Gilgit-Baltistan

On August 12, 2025, severe flooding from the Hunza River caused widespread destruction in Gulmit, Gojal, and blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH) since August 11.

The RCC bridge in Gulmit was buried under debris, stranding travellers at the Pakistan-China Khunjerab border crossing. The floods also affected Shigar, Baltistan, damaging agricultural land and sweeping away trees, which further exacerbated the regional devastation.

Two excavators from the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) are currently working to restore the Karakoram Highway (KKH). In Gulmit, local volunteers are assisting stranded passengers by guiding them across a temporary bridge and helping to carry those who are ailing or elderly, according to Samaa.tv. Faizullah Firaq, a spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, reported that more than 50 workers have survived the floods. Relief operations have been intensified to support the affected communities.

This afternoon: A sudden flash flood in Hunza’s Gojal Gulmat area shut down the Karakoram Highway and destroyed several properties, with dozens of residents narrowly escaping harm. Hunza, Pakistan. August 12, 2025.

Video: The north news pic.twitter.com/UOZSh8Y2XP

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) August 12, 2025

The floods, which are linked to climate change and glacial melt, have blocked Shahrah-e-Resham, disrupting connectivity. The region is experiencing its worst flooding in years, and landslides have further exacerbated the damage to infrastructure. In response, the government has prioritised road restoration and relief efforts to mitigate the crisis, which poses a threat to tourism and trade along the KKH.

Read: Hunza River Floods Cause Severe Damage in Gilgit-Baltistan

The Hunza administration is stepping up relief efforts, providing temporary shelters and aid. Firaq emphasised the need for urgent action to clear debris and restore access, noting the region’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters. Local solidarity has been crucial in assisting stranded travellers and supporting recovery.