Flood blocks Karakoram Highway, claims one life

GILGIT: Thousands of travellers were stranded on Wednesday as a flood blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH) near Subdivision Jaglote, disrupting the primary route connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of the country.

Landslides triggered by flash floods blocked the KKH near the Pidan Das area of Jaglote. A vehicle traversing the highway also came under the flood’s debris. In the accident, two passengers managed to escape by jumping from the vehicle, but one person lost his life. The flood’s powerful current pushed the vehicle to the edge of the river. The deceased was identified as Maaz Gilgiti, a PTI youth leader and resident of Diamer.

After the accident, locals rushed to the scene, shifted the injured to a hospital, and retrieved the body from the debris to a dry place. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and reopen the highway, but authorities urge travellers to remain cautious and await further updates.

Assistant Commissioner Jaglote, Waseem Abbas, stated that it was a small blockade and would be cleared in two hours. However, the blockade remained unresolved from 12:45 PM until the report was filed.
Floods have wreaked havoc in Gilgit-Baltistan for the last two weeks, causing widespread destruction in the region.

According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), relentless rains and rapid glacier melting have swept away roads, homes, and other vital infrastructure, affecting multiple villages and leaving thousands in a state of high alert. Electricity and water supplies are disrupted, many are homeless, and agricultural crops are inundated, exacerbating the region’s plight.

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Ramkha and Muskay areas of Parishing, Astore experienced significant damage, with floodwaters destroying over 50 homes, more than 50 cattle sheds, footbridges, and many water tanks. The GBDMA has established two IDP camps; however, the displaced population is living with host families.