Disaster looming: Overflowing Chitral River washes away connecting bridges

Thousands of people stranded in Rawaliek, Dobazh, Shajhi.

CHITRAL: Flash floods have washed away most of the district’s connecting bridges and left residents stranded.

Wazirzada, an elder of the Kalash tribe, said the situation in Chitral has been tense for the last three days as the Chitral River, Golain Gol, Sheshi Koh along with various water sources in Rambor, Birir, Bamboret and Ayun are overflowing.

“Due to the headwork on canals malfunctioning, a flood might come,” he said, adding most of the water had entered plains and affected fields in Kalash valley.

The connecting bridges of Rawaliek, Dobazh, Shajhi, Ghorthon, Bhatat and Sheikhunda have also been washed away, leaving thousands of people stranded in these areas, Wazirzada said.

The elder added the recent increase in water levels had damaged the headworks of Shagarah, Parakaraak, Sheikhunda, Sahan Ayun, Torhyanda, Darkhanda and Attani areas, while Barun Pul and Saroz Pul in Bamboret were also in danger of being washed away.

He explained the communication system of the area had been destroyed, disconnecting residents from the outside world. Wazirzada said the residents were fearful floods similar to those in July 2010 would occur and were requesting the district and provincial governments to take emergency steps.

However, while refusing to comment any further on the matter, officials of the district government continuously denied people’s warnings, and claimed there was no sign of floods as yet.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2013.