Heavy rains, snowfall in GB: Route to Babusar Top closed

GILGIT: Due to heavy rains and snowfall across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), several main roads including route to Babusar Top have been closed.

The rain and snowfall has intensified cold across Gilgit-Baltistan, creating severe challenges for locals as road closures and disrupted communication networks disrupt daily life in the region.

The harsh weather has affected several regions, with authorities struggling to maintain access to remote areas. In Babusar Top, over a foot of snow has accumulated, leading authorities to close the route to all vehicular traffic. SSP Diamer, Sher Khan, has advised travelers to use the Karakoram Highway (KKH) as an alternative route. Babusar Top is typically closed from November to June due to extreme temperatures, and traffic is regularly diverted to KKH during these months.

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Alongside Babusar Top, popular destinations like Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Lulusar Lake, Besar, Souch, Baraoi, and Batakundi are also experiencing heavy snowfall, making access difficult and limiting tourist movement.

In Astore, authorities have suspended all traffic to Deosai and Minimarg, citing snow-covered roads in the upper regions. A spokesperson for the Astore District Police stated, “All routes to Deosai and Minimarg are closed until further notice.”

The approach roads to various localities in the upper parts of the region are buried under layers of snow, isolating these areas and restricting people indoors.

According to the Meteorological Office, Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to see partially cloudy skies on Wednesday, with gusty winds, thunderstorms, and rain likely in several areas. Snowfall is also forecasted for the higher peaks, contributing to the ongoing cold wave and adding to the difficulties faced by locals.