Landslides block Kaghan Highway

Tourists remain stuck for 10 hours until restoration of traffic

BALAKOT:

As a result of floods in the rainwater drains and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall on Friday all across the Mansehra district, including the picturesque Kaghan Valley, the vital Kaghan Highway was closed at different locations including Phagal, Naran Gorian, and Tamtama, trapping thousands of tourists in traffic for more than 10 hours.

However, the district administration of Mansehra, Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) and other allied departments managed to restore traffic in the affected areas.

The heavy rainfall resulted in landslides, blocking multiple sections of the Kaghan highway due to overflowing rainwater drains.

Sources said the National Highway Authority (NHA)’s incompetence forced the tourists to spend more than 10 hours stranded in their vehicles while the Kaghan Highway remained closed to traffic.

In response to the crisis, workers from the KDA swiftly intervened to clear the road and rescue stranded vehicles, prioritizing the safety of tourists caught in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the heavy downpours in Kaghan Valley and adjoining areas turned the weather pleasant.

With the weather conditions still risky, the KDA has deployed staff and machinery strategically across various locations to guide and assist tourists. As a safety measure, they have advised visitors to exercise caution and avoid getting close to rivers, streams, and areas prone to landslides.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the authorities continue to closely monitor the weather patterns and have implemented necessary measures to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents during this rainy season.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the rains are likely to persist for the next 24 hours.

Earlier, in response to complaints regarding charging fees from tourists at Kiwai Waterfall from a social media post shared by a tourist Tariq Khan, the KDA DG immediately dispatched a team to take strict legal action against the delinquent.

The board and the person charging illegal fees both have been removed from the Kiwai waterfall. KDA appreciates tourists’ input regarding matters concerning such issues causing unnecessary inconveniences to them.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM THE APP

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2023.