Rain, snow: Eid travellers left stranded in G-B

Heavy rain and snow across Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) have caused widespread disruption, severing land communication and stranding travellers.

Major roads connecting the region with other parts of the country, including the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Shahrah-e-Baltistan, and the Astore Valley Road, have been blocked due to avalanches and landslides.

Astore has been particularly hard-hit, with rain and snowfall continuing for over three days. According to the Astore District Administration, the Astore Valley Road has been blocked at Kicham village after an avalanche struck the area on Thursday.

“The connection between Astore and other cities is temporarily closed due to the avalanche. Machinery from the Disaster Management Authority has been mobilised for clearance. However, continuous rain on the Astore Valley Road raises concerns of further landslides and falling stones,” the district administration said in a statement.

Officials have also warned of the risk of avalanches on roads in the upper areas. Travellers are advised to avoid using the Astore Valley Road until weather conditions improve to prevent any loss of life.