Lower Kohistan flash floods, landslides block KKH

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) was blocked for all kinds of traffic in Lower Kohistan at Gloos Banda after heavy rainfall in triggered flash floods and landslides in different areas along the highway.

According to locals, massive landslides and debris fell onto the road following heavy rain and flash flooding, suspending vehicular movement from both sides of the highway.

A large number of vehicles, goods transport trucks, and travelers were stranded due to the sudden closure of the vital route linking northern areas with the rest of the country.

Officials said the affected portions of the highway suffered heavy blockage after mud, stones, and floodwater swept onto the road, creating dangerous travel conditions. The situation worsened due to continuous rainfall in mountainous regions, increasing the risk of further landslides.

Soon after the incident, the district administration of Lower Kohistan, along with teams of the National Highway Authority, launched an operation to restore traffic on the highway. Heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, was moved to the affected areas to remove debris and clear the blocked sections of the road.

Authorities stated that efforts were continuing on an emergency basis to reopen the highway at the earliest possible time.

However, officials warned that ongoing bad weather and intermittent rainfall could delay restoration work and pose additional threats in vulnerable mountainous areas.

The administration has advised passengers and transporters to avoid unnecessary travel on the route until weather conditions improve and the highway is fully cleared for traffic. Rescue and emergency teams remain on alert to deal with any further emergency situation caused by rain or flooding.