Heavy Rainfall Causes Karakoram Highway To Close

Heavy rainfall has triggered significant landslides, resulting in the closure of the Kohistan-Gilgit section of the Karakoram Highway. The closure, particularly affecting the Doga bridge near Barsin since Sunday, has severed land connectivity between Gilgit and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, disrupting travel and trade.

Landslides, concentrated around the Doga bridge, have obstructed the roadway with debris, rendering it impassable for vehicles. Despite efforts to reopen the highway, clearance operations have been hampered by the extensive mountain debris and adverse weather conditions, including ongoing rainfall and the risk of further landslides.

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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority has assured prompt action once weather conditions improve, advising against travel on the affected route and urging caution and alternative route planning for tourists.

Hundreds of travelers are stranded in Kohistan and Diamer, awaiting relief and the resumption of transportation services. Rehabilitation work on the Karakoram Highway, ongoing despite setbacks from adverse weather and recent landslides, involves collaboration between the National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and local administrations.

Warnings about landslide risks along the Karakoram Highway have been issued by the NHA. Progress in clearing operations has been slow due to persistent unfavorable weather. The KP Tourism Authority continues to monitor the situation, providing updates on clearance efforts and traffic resumption along the Karakoram Highway.