The picturesque region of Gilgit-Baltistan was struck by fierce flash floods and mudslides, causing chaos and destruction on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and beyond.
The relentless downpour resulted in the Karakoram Highway being blocked at multiple points, causing immense inconvenience to travelers and locals alike. The deluge also wreaked havoc on over 50 homes, rendering the already distressed residents even more miserable.
Captain (Rtd) Arif Ahmad, the Deputy Commissioner of Diamer, reported the extent of the calamity, with the highway being blocked at nine separate spots along a 1.5-kilometer stretch. Although two cars fell victim to the treacherous mudslides, miraculously, the passengers remained unharmed. Despite the ongoing efforts to clear the highway, the situation remains perilous, with continuous landslides making travel unsafe.
In Diamer district’s Darail valley, the damage was not limited to roads alone. Water supply lines were severely impacted, exacerbating the hardship of the locals. With the monsoon season showing no mercy, Muhammad Hafeez Tangiri, a resident from Tangir tehsil, pleaded for the government’s assistance in safeguarding their vulnerable village from future floods.
In a similar plight, the Misgar and Shimshal villages were also cut off from the outside world, as the roads leading to them were blocked by torrential rains. The local authorities are working tirelessly to restore connectivity, but until then, commuters are urged to steer clear of these treacherous routes.
As the region battles against the forces of nature, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the affected communities. The resilience of Gilgit-Baltistan shines through, but support and assistance are crucial in rebuilding their lives after this devastating natural disaster.