Karakoram Highway Closed After Floods Hit Diamer

Karakoram Highway – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Karakoram Highway closed on Monday after sudden flash floods tore through the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, cutting off a major travel route and leaving many people stranded. The floods hit late at night and caused heavy damage across several areas near Chilas.

Local officials said the water swept away homes, damaged farmland, and destroyed parts of the road network. Two houses were completely washed away, along with everything inside them. A number of animals were also lost in the flooding.

The worst hit areas were Thor, Niyat, Khanbari and Buner Das. In these places, the floodwater tore through link roads, farms, and construction sites. Heavy machines used for road work were also damaged or carried away by the strong current.

At Buner Das, long lines of vehicles built up on both sides of the road after the Karakoram Highway closed. Trucks carrying goods, along with regular passengers and tourists, were stuck with nowhere to go. Many areas also lost power, making the situation harder for local families.

In Thosarka, the flooding was so bad that homes were surrounded by water from both sides. Residents could not leave their houses safely through the night. Mud and debris pushed into several homes, and crops in nearby fields were ruined.

The Thor link road was hit at multiple points, breaking the connection between several small communities. Damaged power lines also caused a blackout across the wider Thor Valley, leaving people without electricity for hours.

In the Darel subdivision, the situation turned even more serious. Flash floods in Khanbari Shing Shar Nullah swept away two houses completely, taking furniture, food supplies, and other belongings with them. Livestock kept by local families were also lost.

Heavy equipment being used for ongoing road construction suffered major losses too. Reports say that 13 dump trucks, one excavator, one crushing plant, and two water tankers, all belonging to a private construction company, were destroyed in the flood.

Meanwhile, in the Niyat area near Chilas, the link road broke apart in several places. This made travel extremely difficult for local residents who depend on this route for daily movement, school access, and business.

With the Karakoram Highway closed and several smaller roads damaged, transportation across the region has come to a near standstill. Many families are still waiting for help to arrive.

Local residents have asked the government to begin emergency relief work immediately. Their main demands include quick restoration of the highway, repair of damaged link roads, return of electricity supply, and fair compensation for people who lost their homes, animals, and property.

Authorities have not yet announced a clear timeline for reopening the highway. Until repairs begin, travelers and transport companies are advised to avoid the affected route and check for updates before planning any trips through Gilgit-Baltistan.