Heavy rain, landslides block Kaghan Highway

BALAKOT:

Heavy landslides and falling rocks have closed off the Kaghan Highway for traffic at Hassa in Balakot. The Hassa Bridge and the Farm-to-Market Road are being used as alternative routes to restore access to Tehsil Balakot for light vehicles, but the road remains closed to heavy traffic as of this report.

Electric poles were also hit by landslides, suspending power supply to the Garhi Habibullah and Boi feeders. After a brief pause for a few days, heavy rainfall on Saturday night once again triggered landslides in Hassa. Yesterday morning, more landslides blocked the road, which the administration initially managed to reopen for traffic, however, after the landslides resumed once again, the Kaghan Highway was completely closed again.

The administration has diverted traffic to the Farm-to-Market Road as an alternative. The closure of the Kaghan Highway is creating difficulties for both tourists and the local population. According to the NHA, road restoration work will be completed soon. Large boulders are being broken to clear the passage, with heavy machinery in operation.