Landslide closes Jaglot-Skardu Highway, disrupts traffic

BALTISTAN: Due to landslide, Jaglot-Skardu Highway has been closed, movement between Gilgit and Skardu affected, passengers advised to exercise caution. People travelling face difficulties due to closure of main highway, restoration work at landslide site is underway with heavy machinery and excavator.
According to details, on Thursday, due to landslide in Baltistan, important Jaglot-Skardu Highway was closed for traffic, as a result of which movement of passengers travelling between Gilgit and Skardu has been affected.
Due to closure of highway, people travelling between both areas may face difficulties, while passengers have been instructed to know latest situation of road before starting journey and avoid travelling without confirmation of restoration of highway.
According to initial information, due to falling of mountain debris and landslide on Jaglot-Skardu Road, flow of traffic has been suspended. However, details regarding exact location of landslide, how much portion of highway debris has fallen on, and measures being taken for restoration of road have not come to fore so far.
Jaglot-Skardu Highway is important for land transportation in Gilgit-Baltistan and passengers travelling from Gilgit to Skardu use same route. Closure of highway not only affects routine of passengers’ travel but vehicles passing through this route may also face difficulties.
In hilly areas, due to landslide, there remains apprehension of affecting movement of traffic due to falling of mud, stones and heavy rocks on roads. In such circumstances, it is necessary for persons travelling on highway to decide journey keeping in view weather and road condition and follow instructions of relevant authorities.
Passengers have been advised to confirm current situation of highway before departure from Gilgit to Skardu or Skardu to Gilgit, so that they can be saved from getting stuck on way and unnecessary difficulties.
Especially drivers travelling on hilly routes have been instructed to exercise caution and postpone journey till authentic information regarding restoration of road is received.
On the other hand, heavy machinery and excavator have been dispatched to landslide site for possible damages and to reopen Jaglot-Skardu Highway for traffic, and restoration work of main highway for traffic is underway.
Authorities have said that efforts are being made to clear debris and reopen road as soon as possible, however, passengers should avoid unnecessary travel till complete restoration.
Local administration has also appealed to travellers to remain in contact with district administration and traffic police for updated information and follow safety guidelines while travelling in mountainous areas.