Landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Balakot and Abbottabad tehsils of Mansehra district have severely disrupted road connectivity, cutting off access to popular tourist destinations such as Kaghan and Murree. The incidents have left both local residents and tourists stranded, causing widespread inconvenience and raising concerns about safety as the risk of further landslides remains high.
In Balakot-Hassa tehsil of Mansehra, landslides blocked the Kaghan highway, a vital route for both locals and visitors traveling to the scenic Kaghan Valley. The closure has caused significant hardship, particularly for tourists who were en route to the valley for recreational purposes.
Similarly, in Abbottabad, Murree Road was rendered impassable after a landslide struck at the Galiyat Batangi location. This disruption stranded large numbers of travelers, many of whom were unable to find immediate shelter or assistance.
According to local sources, no heavy machinery or response teams from the National Highway Authority (NHA) or the local administration had reached the affected sites to restore traffic flow at the time of reporting.
The delay in mobilizing rescue and clearance efforts has added to the distress of those stuck on the blocked routes. With continuous rainfall in the Galiyat region, the threat of additional landslides persists, further complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Despite these challenges, swift action was taken in one of the most critical cases. Around 150 tourists and more than 25 vehicles were stranded on the Lake Saif Al Malook Road after a massive landslide.
Acting on the instructions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, rescue teams were dispatched to evacuate those trapped. The stranded tourists were safely shifted to secure locations, preventing potential casualties in an already hazardous environment.
The incidents underscore the vulnerability of mountainous areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to natural disasters, especially during prolonged spells of rain. With tourism season ongoing, the blockage of key routes not only disrupts travel plans but also poses a challenge to local authorities tasked with ensuring safety and accessibility.
Residents and tourists alike are urging immediate action from relevant agencies to clear the debris, restore traffic, and put in place preventive measures to mitigate the impact of future landslides.
