Gilgit:
Friday, a major part of the Karakoram motorway (KKH) in the Morkhun region of Upper Hunza was swept away by the erosion of the river, effectively breaking the land path between Pakistan and China, according to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The situation was triggered by an increase in the flow of the river caused by accelerated glacial merger, resulting from the rise in temperatures in the region. The increased water levels have caused floods located in several fields of GB, constituting serious threats to infrastructure and public security.
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that the increase in water flow in regional rivers had led to the erosion of a KKH section, which has now been made inaccessible. He said that Minister Haji Gulbar Khan had ordered immediate restoration from the highway.
The Karakoram motorway is a trading and critical traveling way connecting Pakistan to China. Faraq added that the relevant services were sent to Morkhun to carry out emergency repair work.
Meanwhile, Skardu’s rescue teams are continuing their search for tourists who disappeared after a capshed boat in the Zhouq Kachura region. Authorities suspect that high water flow in lakes, powered by ice runoff, may have contributed to the accident.
Faraq reminded the public that because of security problems, the navigation of pleasure in the lakes has been strictly prohibited and article 144 was imposed in the affected areas to prohibit such activities. “We take measures against individuals and tour operators who violate this ban and endanger lives,” he said.
Article 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows local authorities to restrict the rallies and specific activities to ensure public security in the event of an emergency. The latest incident is added to a series of climate -related disasters with an impact on GB.
Since June, Pakistan has witnessed serious floods caused by the clouds, the flood floods (glof) and the intense rains of monsoon. GB remains one of the hardest affected regions due to its mountainous terrain and its vulnerability to ice melting.
The monsoon season still underway and that temperatures continue to increase, those responsible have warned against the additional climate -induced disturbances, urging residents and visitors to be caution and follow the government’s opinions.
