Traffic has resumed on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) as of Sunday, following a significant disruption caused by landslides in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. While the main highway is open, other critical routes, including the Astore Valley road, remain blocked due to ongoing heavy rainfall.
Landslides Disrupt Regional Travel
The KKH was shut down late Saturday night after a landslide occurred near the Lachi area in Kohistan. According to local police, it took nearly 20 hours to restore light traffic to the route.
The blockage had a severe impact on commuters, leaving thousands of passengers traveling to and from Gilgit-Baltistan stranded for several hours. Police confirmed the scale of the disruption before the road was cleared.
Ongoing Blockages and Weather Warnings
Despite the reopening of the KKH, the region continues to struggle with weather-related closures. Police report that landslides have also blocked the Shounter Road in the Astore Valley.
The district administration has urged the public to take precautionary measures. These warnings come as heavy rainfall continues to lash various parts of the region.
Meteorological Context and Forecasts
The current instability is linked to a westerly wave that entered northwestern Pakistan on April 16. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expected this system to persist in upper regions until April 19.
The PMD had previously predicted a period of rain, wind, and thunderstorms between April 16 and 19, including isolated hailstorms and heavy falls. In the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, snowfall was also expected during this window.
Authorities in provincial and district administrations were advised to take necessary precautions to prevent untoward situations. The PMD specifically warned of landslide risks in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between April 17 and April 19.
Future Outlook
Given the persistence of the westerly wave, further landslides could occur in vulnerable areas. This may lead to additional intermittent closures of regional roads if heavy rainfall continues.
Travelers may continue to face delays, and district administrations are likely to maintain high alert levels to manage potential emergencies in the affected valleys.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Karakoram Highway reopened?
The Karakoram Highway was reopened for light traffic on Sunday, following a blockage that lasted nearly 20 hours.
Which roads remain blocked?
The Astore Valley road and the Shounter Road in the Astore Valley remain blocked due to landslides.
What caused the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms?
The weather conditions were caused by a westerly wave that entered northwestern Pakistan on April 16 and was expected to persist until April 19.
How do you feel regional infrastructure can be better protected against seasonal landslides?