SHANGLA: Torrential rains triggered multiple landslides in Upper Kohistan on Tuesday, blocking the Karakoram Highway (KKH) at several locations and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded on one of Pakistan’s most important transport routes.

According to local authorities, continuous rainfall caused landslides in vulnerable areas including Jijal, Pattan, and nearby nullahs, leading to the complete closure of the highway connecting Gilgit-Baltistan and northern regions with the rest of the country.

Officials said large amounts of mud, rocks, and debris fell onto the highway in areas including Khaider Nallah, Sablo Mor, and Shaitan Pari, creating dangerous travel conditions and halting traffic in both directions.

Long queues of passenger buses, freight trucks, and private vehicles were reported on both sides of the road, while travelers, including families and transporters, remained stranded for several hours.

Witnesses said the landslides occurred suddenly during intense rainfall, causing panic among commuters and residents of nearby areas. Some small vehicles reportedly sustained partial damage from falling rocks and debris, although no casualties or major injuries were reported till the filing of this report.

Rescue and road clearance operations underway

Rescue teams, local volunteers, police officials, and emergency response personnel reached the affected areas shortly after the incidents and launched relief activities.

Police assisted stranded passengers and shifted several people to safer locations while authorities began efforts to restore traffic flow on the highway.

Heavy machinery from the National Highway Authority, district administration, and other departments was deployed to clear debris from the blocked sections of the highway. Excavators and loaders continued operations despite difficult weather conditions.

Officials said persistent rainfall was slowing down rescue and clearance work but expressed hope that traffic would resume once weather conditions improved.

The district administration advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel on the Karakoram Highway and other northern routes due to the ongoing risk of further landslides and flash floods.

Travelers were urged to check road conditions before starting their journeys and obtain updated information from relevant authorities.

The Karakoram Highway, a key trade and communication corridor linking Pakistan with Gilgit-Baltistan and China, frequently faces disruptions during the monsoon season due to landslides in mountainous regions.