Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government officials have confirmed that a significant portion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in the Morkhun area of Upper Hunza was washed away on Friday due to severe river erosion, effectively cutting off the vital land route between Pakistan and China.
The damage was caused by a surge in river flow, which has been accelerating in recent weeks due to increased glacial melting triggered by rising temperatures across the region. This heightened water volume has not only caused localized flooding but also posed serious threats to critical infrastructure and public safety in several parts of G-B.
Spokesperson Faizullah Faraq stated that the erosion of the KKH has rendered the affected section inaccessible. In response, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has ordered the immediate restoration of the highway, recognizing its importance as a key trade and travel corridor between Pakistan and China.
Relevant government departments have already been deployed to Morkhun to conduct emergency repair work aimed at reopening this crucial passage as soon as possible.
In a related development, rescue operations continue in Skardu, where authorities are searching for tourists who went missing after a boat capsized in the Zhouq Kachura area. The incident is believed to have been caused by the high water levels in the lakes, which are fed by glacial runoff.
Due to ongoing safety concerns, local authorities have enforced a strict ban on boating activities in affected areas and imposed Section 144 to prohibit gatherings and dangerous activities. Faizullah Faraq emphasized that those violating these restrictions face legal consequences, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives.
The recent damage to the KKH is part of a broader pattern of climate-related disasters impacting G-B, which has been severely affected by cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and heavy monsoon rains since June. The region’s mountainous terrain and vulnerability to rising temperatures make it particularly susceptible to such environmental challenges.
As the monsoon season continues and temperatures remain elevated, officials have urged both local residents and tourists to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to government safety advisories to mitigate further risks.
