Kaghan Bridge Collapse
MANSEHRA: The evacuation of tourists and locals from Kaghan Valley has been successfully completed, with over 10,000 tourists safely returned to their homes.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra, the valley is now entirely vacated, and all hotels from Kaghan to Naran are fully cleared of guests.
However, approximately 110 to 120 vehicles remain stranded in Mahandri due to the recent bridge collapse.
Efforts are currently underway to resolve the situation for the stranded vehicles. A temporary route is being established to facilitate the removal of these vehicles, and the reconstruction of the Mahandri bridge is anticipated to take about 10 to 12 days.
In addition, machinery has been mobilized to address the issue of a lake burst at the Kunhar River, which has further complicated the recovery and restoration efforts.
The collapse of the Mahandri bridge on Kaghan Highway had severed the valley’s connection to Balakot for nearly a week.
Despite multiple attempts to construct a temporary bridge over the canal, the swift water flow continually thwarted these efforts.
Eventually, after five days of persistent work, a zip line was installed across Munawar Nullah, which allowed people to cross and provided some relief to the affected area.
In response to the crisis, Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the Tourism Adviser and other officials, visited Mahandri to assess the situation firsthand.
Their visit aimed to explore and implement solutions to restore connectivity to the valley and address the ongoing challenges faced by the local community and stranded travelers.
The situation underscores the significant impact of natural disasters on infrastructure and tourism, and the urgent need for effective disaster management and rapid response strategies.
The recovery efforts are focused on rebuilding infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors affected by the incident.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
