Floodwaters Sweep Away Naltar Expressway in Gilgit-Baltistan

Severe floods in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have washed away a major portion of the Naltar Expressway, leaving tourists stranded and cutting off access to several key areas. The destruction has not only disrupted traffic but has also hampered ongoing relief and rescue operations in the region.

Tourists Stranded as Roads Cut Off

The collapse of the Naltar Expressway has trapped multiple groups of tourists who were visiting the scenic valley. With road access blocked, many remain stuck in remote areas with limited supplies. Authorities are working to provide emergency assistance and evacuate those affected, but the scale of damage has made operations difficult.

Relief and Traffic Disrupted

The loss of this vital roadway has created major challenges for relief teams, as transporting food, medical supplies, and rescue equipment to flood-affected communities has become nearly impossible. Traffic flow has also been severely impacted, with alternative routes either damaged or inaccessible due to landslides and flooding.

Local residents report that several villages along the expressway remain cut off, raising fears that more people may be in urgent need of help.

Authorities Step In

Government officials have confirmed that efforts are underway to restore partial connectivity, but heavy rains and continuous flooding are delaying progress. Emergency teams are exploring temporary routes to provide immediate relief and evacuate stranded individuals.

Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-hit regions and advised tourists to delay trips to GB until conditions improve.

Conclusion

The damage to the Naltar Expressway underscores the fragile state of infrastructure in mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, where floods and landslides frequently disrupt connectivity. With tourists stranded and relief efforts slowed, the situation highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.