Landslides impede road connectivity in G-B for second day

GILGIT: The Karakoram Highway remains closed for a second consecutive day on Tuesday in the Upper Kohistan district following massive landslides that have disrupted traffic and caused extensive vehicle queues.

Heavy machinery is currently deployed at the site near Basari to clear the debris and restore movement. Meanwhile, the portion of the highway blocked by a mudslide in the Gandlu area of Chilas was reopened for traffic on Tuesday. The National Highway Authority (NHA) has commenced efforts to reopen the Babusar Naran road following the conclusion of the snow season.

In addition to the landslides, the upper parts of Astore and Baltistan are facing difficulties due to road closures and heavy snowfall, which has further complicated travel and transportation in the region. Provincial Secretary of Communications and Works, Sabtain Ahmed, stated that heavy machinery has been deployed and work was underway to restore connectivity across various districts within the region.
He mentioned that the Department of Communications and Public Works, along with the Disaster Management Authority, were actively engaged in restoring the affected roads.

Sabtain Ahmed assured the public that the roads would soon be reopened, alleviating the considerable disruption caused by the seasonal weather. “The swift response aims to minimize the impact on local travel and ensure safety for all residents and travellers in the area,” he added.

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On the other hand, the Gilgit-Skardu road has been obstructed at two points due to landslides, prompting the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to initiate road clearance operations. “The presence of large boulders has necessitated blasting, which is expected to be completed by this evening,” said Assistant Commissioner Roundu in a statement. He assured that the road would be reopened for traffic by tonight, although it remained blocked at the time the report was filed. He urged all travellers and tourists to exercise caution and avoid the Gilgit-Skardu road until it is declared safe. Additionally, the upper Hunza road was reopened on Tuesday.