From June to September 2025, Pakistan experienced one of the deadliest floods in its history. More than 1,000 people lost their lives, 274 of them children. On July 13, 2025, a cloudburst occurred in Gilgit Baltistan, followed by floods that isolated villages and blocked key highways.

The Borgen Project spoke with a 20-year-old girl, Eman Khan from Ghizer, who experienced firsthand the devastating impact of the floods, including the loss of essential family documents.

Warning Signs and Immediate Reactions

A cloudburst triggered the Gilgit Baltistan Floods of July 13. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, the floods damaged 13 houses, destroyed farmland and washed away irrigation channels. The floods also blocked the Gilgit–Ghizer Highway and isolated communities.

Khan told The Borgen Project that the day began with no major warning signs. The clouds, however, seemed unusually dark and the heavy and intense rain turned into a cloudburst within minutes. According to Khan, while Gilgit experiences seasonal floods, this cloudburst’s sheer force and speed were unlike anything she had witnessed before.

After the cloudburst, the first instinct, she recalled, was to rush outside, gather the family in one safe spot, call the children and move to higher ground as quickly as possible.

Khan said her family stayed calm during the crisis and avoided the river. They then took shelter at a relative’s house, which was built on slightly higher land. Khan added that the neighbors were also very helpful, shouting warnings to each other, helping evacuate children and older adults and sharing food and blankets with families that had to leave their homes.

Damage, Loss and Recovery

Khan told The Borgen Project that the Gilgit Baltistan Floods occurred in a sequence of a cloudburst followed by subsequent floods. The Gilgit Baltistan floods partially destroyed homes, washed away fields of crops, blocked roads and swept electricity poles into the water.

She added that her family lost some household belongings and important family documents. Other villagers lost livestock and stored food they depended on. Despite devastation, Khan said the community showed strong unity and support; people opened their homes to those displaced, cooked meals together and organized local volunteers to clear debris.

In the aftermath of the Gilgit Baltistan Floods, NGOs and local administration sent emergency relief, including food supplies, tents and medical aid. Volunteers from youth groups also played a vital role in rescue and relief work.

Impacts and Future Prospects

Khan shared that the Gilgit Baltistan Floods made her realize how vulnerable her family is in front of the forces of nature. She now recognizes the importance of preparedness and deeply respects the environment.

In the future, she hopes for better adaptive strategies in disaster-prone areas, including early warning systems, flood defences, stronger infrastructure and long-term support for rebuilding livelihoods. Above all, she hopes for a future where children are safe when disasters strike.

– Sidra Tahir

Sidra is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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