Main and Link roads in Chitral blocked for traffic due to heavy landsliding and mud debris brought by the flash floods.
Due to the recent incessant rain and devastating floods, roads in various areas of Chitral were closed for all types of traffic. The incessant rains caused rivers and canals to overflow, bringing down rocks and debris from the mountains and blocking the roads. Due to the floods, the roads to Orghoch, Bakamak, Shadok, Dinin Gahtak etc. have been closed, leaving thousands stranded. In particular, the Orghoch valley, home to 15,000 people, is completely cut off by road closures on both sides. The bridge on the main Chitral road to Orghoch is blocked, and the road from Faizabad is buried under rocks, trees, and debris fallen from the mountains. The continuous rains also triggered landslides in several areas, bringing down electricity poles and causing power outages.
The road to Shaduk, Dinin, and Gahtak is likewise impassable and dangerous due to ongoing mudslides and rockfalls. Locals point out that the Orghoch road, built during British rule, has been neglected by the Pakistani government. With the road closed, people are forced to walk 15 kilometers carrying food supplies and even transporting patients on stretchers to reach the hospital.
The local residents expressed gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner of Chitral and the Executive Engineer of the Communication and Works (C&W) Department, Tariq Murtaza, for their prompt action. Following their instructions, the contractor immediately deployed tractors and excavators to clear the roads and debris, making them passable again.
The C&W Department has also repaired roads in Abdul Wali Khan Bypass Road, Dunin Chidok, Officer Mess Road, Mughalanda, Shah Dok, Hoon Faizabad, Ghoch Dom Shughur, Karbitoli, and Upper Chitral District that were closed due to the recent rains and floods. However, their efforts on the Bonny road were hampered by fresh landslides and falling boulders.
