Many stranded in GB for six days as flood delays repairs

Scores of residents and tourists are stranded in Gilgit-Baltistan, unable to access essential supplies as climate change-fueled floods and landslides have kept major roads closed for six consecutive days. The ongoing disruption hampers restoration efforts in Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, and Astore districts, leaving vulnerable populations in remote areas facing critical shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.

Prices for available fuel and essential items have surged in cut-off areas, exacerbating the desperation of residents. In Astore, isolated for six days, local markets are either empty or prohibitively expensive. Some individuals are risking their lives to cross blocked areas to reach other regions or Astore. Tourists traveling in personal vehicles are stuck near Haramosh on the blocked Baltistan Road, an area lacking basic accommodations and food facilities, leading to frustration over the lack of progress in road restoration.

“

Each passing day creates troubles for local residents.

Relentless water flow has destroyed a temporary iron bridge over the Kalturo nallah in Haramosh before it could open. While construction of a stronger bridge is underway, it will take several more days. Work on another temporary bridge near the Jaglot-Skardu Road at Sassi Haramosh also remains stalled due to flooding. Several other key routes are impassable due to river erosion and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (Glofs), including the Hispar and Hushe Valley Roads.

This monsoon season has seen 89 flood-related incidents across the region, resulting in the destruction of 130 houses, damage to 162 others, the loss of 20 bridges, and the ruin of 18.2 kilometers of roads. The Chief Minister has declared Tormik a 'calamity-hit' area in response to the devastation. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority has provided stranded passengers with water and rations, but authorities are advising travelers to wait until roads are fully restored.

“

People are crossing the blockade area, putting their lives at risk, to access other areas or Astore.