DIAMER, Gilgit-Baltistan: Flash floods triggered by heavy overnight rains caused widespread destruction across several valleys of Diamer district, damaging homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land, while also forcing the closure of the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
According to local police, the floodwaters swept away multiple houses, trees, crops, pedestrian bridges, traditional watermills, and irrigation channels, causing extensive damage in the affected areas.
Authorities also reported landslides at several locations along the Karakoram Highway, further disrupting transportation.
The highway has remained closed to traffic since overnight after a powerful flash flood struck near the Goner Farm Nursery in Chilas.
The closure has resulted in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the highway, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded.
Reports indicate that those affected include children, women, and elderly passengers, many of whom are facing significant hardship while waiting for the road to reopen.
Stranded travelers have appealed to the government to restore traffic on the Karakoram Highway as soon as possible to ease the disruption.
Meanwhile, the relevant authorities have launched operations to assess the extent of the damage and begin the restoration of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Officials are continuing relief and recovery efforts in the affected areas, while monitoring the situation amid concerns of further rain and possible flooding.
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