Karakoram highway opens for traffic amid flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Speedy melting of glaciers caused by heatwave and intermittent rains in different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan have led to severe flooding, causing widespread destruction. While the blocked Karakoram Highway has reopened for traffic on Monday.

In Gilgit, strong winds have wreaked havoc, while flash floods have devastated areas in Ghizer and Hunza.

The powerful winds and torrential rains disrupted daily life in Gilgit and its surrounding regions on Sunday. Landslides triggered by the heavy winds have blocked several connecting roads, and uprooted trees in different areas.

The Meteorological Department had earlier forecasted strong winds accompanied by thunderstorms, while the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) issued a weather alert, advising the public to avoid traveling in mountainous areas.

In the Ghizer district, torrential rains have caused significant damage. Floodwaters have entered residential homes in Ashkoman Shamsabad, Granger, Hasis, Ashkoman, Hayim, Yangal, and Hawks, damaging standing crops and trees. Reports suggest that the Ghizer Road has been blocked at multiple points due to the floodwaters.

 In response, the district administration has begun restoration efforts in the affected areas. Deputy Commissioner Ghizer, Habib Rehman, visited the Granger village to assess the damages and instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the restoration work.

In the low-lying area of Yangal in Gupis, eight residential houses have been completely destroyed by the floodwaters, with more than 30 homes partially damaged. The main Gilgit-Chitral highway at Yangal has also been closed.

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Upon receiving reports of the flooding, divisional administration teams were dispatched to the scene under the directive of the Deputy Commissioner. Temporary tents have been provided to the affected families, and efforts are underway to clear the roads and reopen them for traffic.

In the Hunza district, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds has alarmed the residents, leading to flash floods in various areas. While residential homes have largely remained safe, cultivable land has been engulfed by the floodwaters.

Local volunteers made concerted efforts to divert the floodwaters, minimizing damage to the homes, though some have suffered partial damage. Following the flood warnings, the district administration has activated emergency measures to mitigate the impact. Additionally, the Karakoram Highway was blocked at three points due to landslides, causing significant inconvenience to thousands of travelers. The road was opened on early Monday.