Heavy rains batter GB and KP, blocking the Karakoram Highway for a third day
On Tuesday, landslides caused by heavy rains closed the major route of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), stranding thousands of travelers to and from Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
For the previous three days, the area has experienced sporadic snowfall and rain, which has affected daily life. Many places continued to have suspended electricity when the temperature fell below zero.
Deputy Director of the National Highway Authority (NHA), Ghulam Abbas, stated that the KKH was stopped at almost fifty distinct locations.
He went on to explain that these places included Pani Baa (319 and 320), Lotar (327), Hurban Nullah (362), Thor Nullah (391), Shetan Pari (near KKH number 241), and portions of GB’s Diamer.
Because of the length and frequency of the blockade, we have called in the aid of our contractor businesses to clear the roads. However, we are optimistic that by Wednesday morning, all forms of motor traffic will be able to access it,” the source stated.
The roads were being aggressively cleared by clearance teams from Bisham, Pattan, Barseen, and Chilas, according to Abbas, who also mentioned that the route had been opened in certain places to allow for one-way traffic.
In the meantime, strong downpours also caused link roads in Shangla, Kohistan, and Battagram, KP, to become obstructed. Landslides also caused damage to a number of cars.
Passenger Irfan Sakhi, who is stuck at a hotel in Bisham, told Dawn.com that he anticipates the roads being cleared shortly. Sakhi acknowledged the cooperation shown by the proprietors of nearby hotels and restaurants, despite the inconvenience.
Officials had earlier stated that on Monday morning, rain started to pour in lower parts and snow started to fall in upper places. The reports lasted till nightfall. Along with the suspension of flights, mobile and internet access was interfered with in various parts of the region, including Islamabad, Skardu, and Gilgit.
Following extended periods of dry weather, snow and rain have begun to fall in GB. The GB government issued a notice predicting significant snowfall and rainfall in the area from February 19 to February 27.
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