Karakoram Highway Flood Cuts Off Upper Hunza Route to China
A severe Karakoram Highway flood in Upper Hunza’s Morkhun area has destroyed a key section of the route, cutting off the vital land connection between Pakistan and China. The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government confirmed that river erosion caused by rising water levels washed away the road, leaving it impassable.
Glacial Melting Behind the Karakoram Highway Flood
Officials report that accelerated glacial melting — fueled by rising regional temperatures — has sharply increased river levels in recent days. This surge has triggered localized flooding in several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, threatening both communities and critical infrastructure.
Emergency Response Underway
G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq stated that emergency restoration work has already begun under the direction of Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan. Rapid response teams are working to assess damage and reopen the Karakoram Highway flood-affected section to resume cross-border trade and travel.
Karakoram Highway’s Strategic Importance
The Karakoram Highway, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” serves as a lifeline connecting Pakistan to China via the Khunjerab Pass. Its closure due to the Karakoram Highway flood disrupts trade, tourism, and essential supply routes for communities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Related Safety Concerns in Skardu
In a separate incident, rescue operations are underway in Skardu after a tourist boat capsized in the Zhouq Kachura area. Authorities suspect unusually high water levels — linked to glacial runoff — as the cause. Under Section 144, boating in affected lakes has been banned, with strict penalties for violations.
Climate Change and Gilgit-Baltistan’s Flood Risk
This Karakoram Highway flood is part of a troubling trend of climate-related disasters in Pakistan. Since June, the country has faced repeated flooding from cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and heavy monsoon rains. Gilgit-Baltistan’s rugged terrain and melting glaciers make it particularly vulnerable.
With monsoon rains ongoing and temperatures climbing, officials urge residents and tourists to stay alert, follow safety advisories, and prepare for further disruptions.
Final Note:
The Karakoram Highway flood underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure in Pakistan’s northern regions to protect trade routes, communities, and livelihoods.
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