Glacier melt cuts Pak-China road link; tourist boat capsizes in Skardu

Melting glaciers have caused a surge in water flow in the Gilgit-Baltistan region’s rivers. Consequently, in Hunza’s Morkhun area, severe riverbank erosion swept away a section of the Karakoram Highway, cutting off the vital overland route between Pakistan and China, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

—Tourist boat overturned in Skardu—

In Skardu, the increased water flow at Zhug Kachura overturned a tourist boat, leaving several passengers missing.

According to Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, search operations are ongoing to locate the missing individuals.

The Karakoram Highway’s closure has halted cross-border vehicle movement, though teams from relevant departments are actively working to restore the route.

--Section 144 imposed on boating--

Authorities have imposed Section 144 on boating across local lakes due to rising water levels, with violators facing legal action.

The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan has directed immediate restoration efforts in Morkhun, and rescue and engineering teams have been dispatched to the site.

--Flash flood in Nowshera--

Heavy overnight rain in Nowshera and surrounding areas triggered flash flooding in seasonal drains, with sudden surges reported in the Kahi Khwar area of Nizampur.

Local authorities issued an alert, urging residents to avoid unnecessary movement.

Floodwaters stranded several vehicles, but swift action by locals and rescue teams ensured their safe recovery.

Women and children trapped in vulnerable areas were also evacuated to safe locations without injury.

Reporter: Farhat Shah