Passengers stranded as landslides sever major roads in G-B

GILGIT: Continuous rains over the past two days have wreaked havoc in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), causing landslides that have blocked major roads, including the Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Road, at multiple locations.

Thousands of passengers, including women, children, and senior citizens, have been left stranded due to these blockades.

The Karakoram Highway, a vital artery connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to other parts of the country, has been blocked at several points, including the Gandulu and Moladad Pari areas in Diamer district.

Heavy mudslides/landlsides triggered by rain have rendered the road impassable, leaving travelers on both sides stranded without any immediate relief.

Similarly, Baltistan Road, which connects Skardu to other regions, has also been severely affected. Landslides in the Roundu area of Skardu have blocked the road at multiple points, bringing traffic to a standstill. Thousands of passengers traveling to and from Baltistan are currently stuck, awaiting road clearance operations.

Intense weather disrupts flight schedule

In Astore, continuous rainfall has led to the blockage of the Astore Valley Road near the Mushkin area. The Communication and Works Department has dispatched heavy machinery to clear the road. The department has advised tourists and local residents to exercise caution and avoid traveling on the Astore Valley Road until it is fully cleared.

Efforts are underway to clear the blocked roads, but the continuous rainfall is hampering progress. Authorities are urging travelers to stay updated on weather and road conditions before embarking on their journeys. The situation remains tense as rescue and relief operations continue in affected areas, aiming to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of travelers.

ONE TOURIST KILLED ON ROAD

In the meantime, a tourist vehicle met with an accident near Bagicha in the Roundu area of Skardu. The accident occurred when a rock fell onto the vehicle, which was traveling from Skardu to Rawalpindi. Four individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the incident. One tourist died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries. Rescue 1122 teams from Roundu provided first aid and transported the injured to the Civil Hospital in Dambodas for further treatment.