WEBDESK: The Babusar Naran Highway was partially reopened on Monday after last week’s deadly flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan. Search efforts for the missing are still ongoing.
Heavy rains and sudden floods hit the region on July 21, causing landslides, damaging over 500 houses and roads, and leaving many people stranded. At least 10 people lost their lives, and four were injured.
Faizullah Faraq, the Gilgit-Baltistan government’s spokesperson, said the highway is now open for one way traffic. He confirmed that heavy machinery was used to clear the road, but full restoration is still in progress.
Travellers have been advised to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary movement.
Faraq also said several families have contacted the authorities to help trace missing persons. One of them is the family of TV anchor Shabana Liaquat. Her wallet and student cards belonging to her and her child were found in the flood debris.
The provincial government has now brought in Pakistan Army sniffer dogs to assist in the search.
Meanwhile, road restoration work is being led by the National Highway Authority (NHA) on the orders of Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.
He said important highways like the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (N-15) and Skardu Jaglot Road were hit hard by landslides. NHA teams have cleared many blocked points, allowing limited traffic.
“The 242-kilometre N-15 is vital for tourism and trade,” he said. “We are working round-the-clock to fully reopen it.”
So far, 20 out of 25 landslide-affected points on the Skardu-Jaglot Road have been cleared. All field officers are now on 24-hour alert. Staff leave has been cancelled and emergency plans are in place.
Travel towards Kaghan and Naran has resumed.
Rain Alert Issued Again
Separately, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a rain alert for the northern areas. More rain is expected from July 28 to 31.
The NDMA warned of flash floods, glacial surges, and landslides. Urban flooding is also likely in cities like Muzaffarabad and Bagh.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), heavy rain is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar, along with parts of Azad Kashmir.
In Chitral Valley, rainfall mixed with glacier melt may raise water levels in the River Chitral.
Authorities have been told to remain on high alert, while citizens are advised to avoid travelling to dangerous areas.
Read more: PMD issues flash flood alert ahead of heavy monsoon rains
