PoGB floods raise questions over relief and rescue

Aug 19, 2026

PoGB, 19 August, 2026: - Homes lie devastated and a thick layer of mud blankets Sher Qilla village in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan after devastating flash floods. Villagers are left picking through the wreckage and searching for whatever remains, as no government relief or rescue response has reached the ground zero. Every year, devastating floods and cloudbursts wreak havoc across parts of PoGB, yet preparedness and emergency response remain deeply inadequate. Communities are repeatedly left exposed, with little timely assistance reaching those in need. For the people of PoGB, the recurring floods have become a cycle of destruction and despair — while Islamabad continues to face criticism over its failure to ensure adequate safety, preparedness and emergency support for the region. The devastation is a stark reminder of the recurring threat faced by communities across PoGB. With homes damaged, livelihoods lost and families left to cope with the aftermath, the limited relief on the ground raises serious questions over preparedness, timely response and the government’s ability to protect vulnerable communities.