Thousands stranded as landslides cut off Karakoram Highway

GILGIT: Continuous rains over the past few days have caused massive landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, severing major roads including the Karakoram Highway and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

The Karakoram Highway, a critical artery linking Gilgit-Baltistan to the rest of the country, has been blocked at several points, including the Baily Bridge and Lalpari areas in Subdivision Jaglote, Gilgit district. Heavy mudslides triggered by relentless rains have rendered the road impassable, trapping travelers on both sides with no immediate prospects of relief.

A dead body, stranded due to the blockade, had to be lifted on shoulders and transported to Gilgit.

A spokesperson for the Patrolling Police, Inayat Khan, informed that efforts to clear the blocked roads are underway. “Work to restore the road is ongoing from both sides, but the chances of reopening it soon are slim,” he stated.

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In addition to the Karakoram Highway, the Astore Valley Road has also been severely affected. Landslides have blocked the road at multiple locations, halting all traffic. Thousands of passengers traveling to and from Astore are now stranded, awaiting the clearance of these critical routes.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister, Gulabr Khan, has taken notice of the situation and directed the relevant authorities to expedite road clearance operations.

The affected passengers, including women, children, and elderly citizens, are left to cope with the harsh conditions as they await the resumption of road connectivity.