CHILAS: In light of the ongoing landslide disruption on the Karakoram Highway due to intermittent rain and snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan, the local administration has issued a strong advisory urging travelers to refrain from travel until the vital thoroughfare is fully restored.
Unprecedented weather conditions have rendered sections of the Karakoram Highway impassable, posing a significant risk to passenger safety.
Thousands of passengers traveling to and from Gilgit-Baltistan were stranded due to road blocks as temperatures dropped below freezing and electricity remained off.
Officials said rain in lower areas and snow in upper areas began Monday morning and is continuing.
Landslides have blocked the Karakoram Highway at several places, including Achar Nallah in Kohistan and the Thore area after a rain-triggered rock fall.
Thousands of passengers, including children, women and the elderly, were stranded on both sides.
While efforts to remove debris and restore connectivity continue, authorities are prioritizing public safety and warning against unnecessary travel along the affected route.
The warning comes as a precautionary measure to prevent potential accidents and ensure the well-being of commuters in challenging circumstances. It underlines the administration’s commitment to prioritize the safety and security of residents and travelers in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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Travelers are urged to be patient and cooperate with authorities until normalcy is restored along the Karakoram Highway.
Flights between Islamabad and Skardu and Gilgit were also suspended.
According to a statement, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has issued instructions to GBDMA, all Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Administrative Officers in all districts to deal with the expected situation due to heavy rains and snowfall.
He directed them to keep all machinery ready for road rehabilitation and relief of human lives across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The UK government has issued a weather warning predicting heavy rainfall and snow from February 19 to 27