Torrential rains triggered floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, blocking the major Juglote-Skardu Road (JSR) with the authorities issuing a travel advisory to tourists.
The region’s deputy commissioner said that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) had launched an operation to clear the road and requested the tourists to avoid travelling particularly during the night time.
“Travel Advisory for Skardu: Juglote-Skardu Road (JSR) is blocked at multiple locations; efforts are underway on war footings for clearance of JSR. Moreover, heavy downpour continues in Deosai plains. Travel during rains /at night via Deosai is prohibited. Public safety is must,” said the region’s deputy commissioner in a tweet.
Juglote- Skardu Road is blocked at multiple points including Chamachu, Maloppa, Tormik etc due to landsliding caused by torrential rains. FWO is working on clearance of JSR. Passengers/ Tourists are requested to avoid travelling today. Night travelling not recommend either. pic.twitter.com/rabn9zp76p
— Deputy Commissioner Skardu (@DCSkardu) June 20, 2022
The road serves as a major link between Karakoram Highway and Skardu city.
In a latest travel advisory issued in the evening, the official said the road was still blocked at “Dambodass albeit unabated efforts” as heavy downpours were hampering the clearance operations. “Hopefully road will be open by tomorrow (Wednesday) subject to no further landsliding as rains continue. Night travel via Deosai prohibited,” he added.
Travel Advisory for Skardu:JSR is still blocked at Dambodass albeit unabated efforts. Heavy downpours are hampering the clearance operations. Hopefully road will be open by tomorrow subject to no further land sliding as rains continue. Night travel via Deosai prohibited. pic.twitter.com/XsK8UpokTv
— Deputy Commissioner Skardu (@DCSkardu) June 21, 2022
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned the authorities concerned to remain vigilant for rest of the week amid fears of further landsliding and urban flooding.
Also read: Rains upset lives in K-P, Balochistan
According to the Meteorological Department, landslides are expected in K-P, Galyat, Kashmir and G-B due to heavy rains. Extreme levels of flood danger were announced in all parts of Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Lahore. The weak infrastructure in G-B is at risk of damage, added the met office.
In a statement issued earlier today, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said large parts of the country could face floods in the aftermath of torrential rains in the coming days, adding that there was a "clear risk of flooding in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Islamabad and other big cities".
However, the rains have filled the reservoirs of the water-starved country.
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