A landslide in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, Pakistan, on Monday, July 31, 2024, caused by torrential monsoon rains, has killed at least three people and left 15 missing. More than eight vehicles were swept away. Rescue operations are underway. Provincial government spokesman Faizullah Faraq confirmed three deaths and stated that four injured people were evacuated, one critically. Hundreds of trapped tourists were rescued with the help of government teams and local villagers.

The monsoon season, which began in late June, has caused widespread devastation across Pakistan. Flash floods, collapsed buildings, and electrocutions have resulted in 221 deaths nationwide since June 26, 2024, including 104 children and 40 women. Over 500 people have been injured. The damage includes 50 houses, four bridges, a hotel, and a school, as well as blocked highways and damaged communication signals. The National Disaster Management Authority noted that the heavy rainfall and death toll are unusually high for this time of year. The national meteorological service warns of continued high risks of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides in northern and eastern provinces.

The unusually heavy monsoon rains have exacerbated existing challenges in Pakistan, which is still recovering from devastating 2022 floods that affected one-third of the country and killed approximately 1,700 people.

Impact Statement: The ongoing monsoon season and its devastating effects highlight the increasing vulnerability of Pakistan to extreme weather events, posing significant challenges to the country's infrastructure, economy, and human lives.