Many Pakistani and foreign tourists are stranded in a scenic valley as parts of the Karakoram Highway, which connects Punjab to Gilgit-Baltistan, remain blocked due to flash floods.

Initial reports indicate that floods caused by rapidly melting glaciers are causing extensive damage in Gilgit-Baltistan, with the Karakoram Highway blocked at multiple locations.

Read more: Islamabad on High Alert as Citizens Remember The Devastation of The 2021 Floods

The extreme glacier melting, driven by heatwaves, has led to flooding in streams and rivers, damaging homes and destroying crops. Along with the Karakoram Highway, the Gilgit-Shandur road is also obstructed by floodwaters.

Authorities report that the Karakoram Highway is blocked in several areas, including Jaglot in Gilgit and Shishkat village in Hunza, due to mudflows.

The Gilgit-Ghizer road also faces blockages from overflowing nullahs in Ghizer district, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure.

Nearly two dozen houses have been damaged or destroyed, affecting bridges, roads, water supply channels, and electricity systems.