Rain and snowfall cause landslides, block Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Continuous rain and snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan led to multiple landslides on Wednesday, resulting in the closure of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) at several points between Diamer in GB and Kohistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had previously issued an alert, warning of a heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods, snow avalanches, and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until March 12.

According to Diamer police, landslides struck various locations in both Diamer and Kohistan districts on Tuesday. The affected stretch of the KKH extends from Barseen in Upper Kohistan to the Pattan area in Lower Kohistan, causing significant travel disruptions.

A statement released by Diamer Deputy Commissioner Attaur Rehman Kakar confirmed that the Karakoram Highway had been blocked at several places in both Upper and Lower Kohistan due to the landslides.

As a result of these blockages, thousands of passengers — including patients, elderly individuals, and children — remained stranded at different points along the highway on Tuesday night as they attempted to travel either towards Gilgit-Baltistan or to other regions of the country.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to clear the highway are underway. The PMD's alert remains in effect, with residents and travelers advised to exercise caution due to the ongoing risk of further landslides and related hazards.