GILGIT: The search operation to recover the dead bodies of missing flood victims in Babusar Top two weeks ago has been called off after the hectic efforts of the local rescue teams and community members.
Despite 14 days of intensive efforts, no trace of the missing persons could be found, after which the authorities offered the funeral prayers in absentia for the affected persons.
According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, search teams have recovered all the affected vehicles from the Babusar Highway, but no trace of the missing persons was found. He said that hopes of survival have completely died after the tragedy.
It should be noted that the flood that occurred as a result of recent rains at Babusar Top swept away the vehicles of several tourists, including the anchor of a private TV channel and her family. More than 10 people died in the incident, and many went missing, but it has not been possible to identify or recover any of the bodies yet.
According to officials, all possible rescue, relief and search measures were taken in the area. The local administration, army, police and volunteers remained at the affected site for two weeks and carried out search work from every angle.
The families of the missing persons have been suffering from severe grief and anxiety since the accident. At the end of the search operation, a collective funeral prayer was offered in absentia, in which local elders, government officials and the public participated in large numbers.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has described the tragedy as a “heartbreaking national tragedy” and has assured full sympathy and support to the affected families.
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