Gilgit-Baltistan
The Karakoram Highway (KKH), a vital artery connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to the rest of Pakistan, was blocked due to a massive landslide in the Tatta Pani area of Diamer district on Wednesday.
The incident left hundreds of passengers stranded, disrupting travel plans for those heading to and from Islamabad. The landslide occurred on Wednesday afternoon, and authorities quickly dispatched heavy machinery to the site to clear the debris and restore traffic flow.
According to Raja Ashfaq Tahir, Public Relations Officer of the Diamer Administration, the recent heavy rains had increased landslide activity in the region, triggering flash floods, strong winds, and hailstorms.
Despite three days of sunny weather, landslides continued to occur consecutively on both the KKH and the Jaglot-Skardu Road, causing significant disruptions to travel. Tahir expressed optimism that the blocked section of the highway at Tatta Pani would be cleared within a few hours, allowing stranded passengers to resume their journeys.
Tatta Pani is notoriously prone to landslides due to its muddy terrain, with a roughly 5-kilometer stretch vulnerable to such incidents. The road in this section is frequently blocked, causing immense hardship for travelers commuting between Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country.
During the winter months, the KKH from Mansehra to Chilas serves as a crucial route, as the Babusar Top remains closed until May due to heavy snowfall.
The authorities have been working diligently to clear the roads and restore traffic flow. On Tuesday, police reported that the KKH, Baltistan Road, and other major roads had been opened for traffic after landslides had blocked the roads earlier.
However, the recent incident at Tatta Pani highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the region’s geology and climate. As climate change continues to make weather patterns more erratic, the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan is experiencing heavy rainfall and snowfall during months when the weather is typically relatively better.
The Diamer Administration is taking measures to mitigate the impact of landslides and ensure the safety of travelers. However, the situation remains precarious, and travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about road conditions before embarking on their journeys.
The clearance of the KKH is expected to bring relief to the hundreds of passengers stranded due to the landslide, and authorities are working to minimize disruptions to travel and trade in the region.
