Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides Along Karakoram Highway, Disrupting Traffic in Northern Pakistan
Heavy rainfall over northern Pakistan has led to multiple landslides along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), causing serious disruption to traffic and stranding travelers in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to reports from affected regions, continuous downpours weakened the already fragile mountain slopes, resulting in debris, mud, and large rocks sliding onto the highway. Several key sections of the road were blocked, particularly in Lower Kohistan and surrounding stretches of the KKH.
5/14/20261 min read
Major Impact on Travel
The landslides have brought traffic to a complete standstill at multiple points along the highway. Areas including Gloos Banda, Jijal, and Pattan were among the worst affected, where road access was fully suspended due to heavy blockage.
Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses and private cars, were reportedly stranded on both sides of the affected sections. Travelers faced long delays as movement became impossible until emergency clearance operations could begin.
Rescue and Clearance Operations Underway
Authorities, including the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Frontier Works Organization (FWO), quickly mobilized heavy machinery to clear blocked sections of the highway. Efforts are ongoing to remove debris and restore traffic flow as soon as conditions allow.
However, continuous rainfall and unstable slopes have slowed down the clearance process. Officials have warned that further landslides may occur if the weather conditions persist, making the situation unpredictable and potentially dangerous for travelers.
Weather Advisory Issued
Due to the high risk of additional landslides and flash flooding, authorities have advised against unnecessary travel along the Karakoram Highway until the situation stabilizes. Residents and travelers are urged to stay updated on weather alerts and road conditions before planning any journeys in the region.
The Karakoram Highway, a vital connection between Pakistan and China as well as a key route for northern communities, remains vulnerable during heavy rains, especially in steep and mountainous sections.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration