Landslide blocks Kaghan highway

Heavy rains lashed Balakot and its surrounding areas, and more than six inches of snow fell in Naran and adjacent valleys turning the weather cold, while several streams including Munawar Valley Nala flooded.

The heavy rains caused a landslide blocking the Kaghan highway for traffic in the Kali Mitti area.

Police advised tourists and locals to travel according to the weather condition as rain and snow had been predicted for the next two days.

Heavy rain continued to lash Balakot and other areas during the last 24 hours, while upper places of Kaghan, Naran, Lake Saiful Mulok and Babu Sir Top witnessed intermittent snowfall. After rain and snowfall, the intensity of cold has increased again.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the rain and snowfall will continue for the next two days, which is likely to increase the severity of the cold in Kaghan Valley and Balakot.

Due to the rain and snowfall, rivers including Kunhar River have flooded.

On the other hand, the Kaghan highway has been closed to traffic after glacier hit the road at the Kali Mitti area.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2023.