Massive Landslide Shuts Down Karakoram Highway in Kohistan-Gilgit Region

 

Monsoon Mayhem: Landslides Cripple Karakoram Highway in Pakistan

Heavy rains lashing Gilgit-Baltistan have wreaked havoc on the region's lifeline, the Karakoram Highway. The vital artery connecting Gilgit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been choked by landslides, particularly along the Kohistan-Gilgit stretch.

The Doga bridge area has borne the brunt of the downpour, with massive landslides blocking the highway. This has crippled travel and trade between the two regions, causing immense inconvenience. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear the debris, but the treacherous terrain and sheer volume of rocks and mud are hampering progress.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has issued a travel advisory, urging people to avoid the highway due to the high risk of further landslides.

Keeping tourist woes at bay, the KP Tourism Authority has advised visitors to explore alternate routes. They have pledged to expedite the clearance process once the weather stabilizes, prioritizing tourist safety and minimizing disruptions to the tourism industry.

Officials are keeping a watchful eye on the situation and have promised regular updates on the clearance efforts. Transparency is key in managing public expectations regarding the restoration of normal traffic flow on the Karakoram Highway.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of infrastructure in the face of extreme weather. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of such events, robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms are crucial to safeguard communities and
infrastructure in the times ahead.