Traffic resumes on KKH after landslide as rain triggers disruptions in GB

GILGIT: Traffic on the Karakoram Highway was restored on Sunday after a landslide near the Lachi area in Kohistan had blocked the route late on Saturday night, while the road to Astore Valley remained closed amid heavy rainfall in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to local police, light traffic was allowed to resume on the Karakoram Highway after the road remained shut for nearly 20 hours. Police said the closure left thousands of passengers travelling between Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country stranded for several hours.

The rainfall also caused landslides in other areas of the region. Police said Shounter Road in Astore Valley was blocked due to landslides, and the route had not been reopened by Sunday.

The district administration has urged residents and travellers to adopt precautionary measures in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

Weather alert had warned of heavy rain and landslides

Last week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in the upper parts of the country from April 16 to April 19, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms expected in some places.

The Met Office had said a westerly wave was expected to enter the northwestern parts of Pakistan on April 16 and was likely to persist in the upper regions until April 19. It had advised provincial and district administrations to take necessary precautions to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

For Gilgit-Baltistan, the PMD said rain, wind and thunderstorms, along with moderate to isolated heavy falls and snowfall over mountains, were expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar during the forecast period, with occasional breaks.

The department had also warned that vulnerable areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir could face landslides between April 17 and April 19.

Travel affected across mountain routes

The disruption on the Karakoram Highway highlighted the impact of the ongoing spell of adverse weather on key transport links in the mountainous region. The highway is a major route connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with other areas, and its closure caused delays for a large number of passengers before traffic was partially restored.

Authorities have continued to advise caution as rain-related hazards remain a concern in vulnerable areas identified by the weather department.