CHITRAL/MANSEHRA: Flash floods triggered by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) wreaked havoc in Upper and Lower Chitral on Saturday, destroying infrastructure and displacing residents.
Upper Chitral Impact
- Bridges and Roads: The floods washed away half a dozen bridges, severing connections between towns, including the headquarters of Upper Chitral, Booni.
- Rivers and Flooding: The Yarkhun river was blocked for several hours, while the Chitral river experienced high flood levels.
- Agriculture: Fruit orchards in Harchin village were destroyed.
- Emergency Response: An emergency has been declared, and a tent village has been established in the pologround in Booni to support affected residents.
Lower Chitral Impact
- Areas Affected: Floods devastated regions such as Madaklasht, Shishi Koh in Tar, Karas, Teingeer, and other villages.
- Displacement: Dozens of families were affected, with 20 families displaced.
- Infrastructure Damage: Power pylons and water irrigation channels were washed away.
- Evacuation Alert: The district administration has advised residents of low-lying areas to remain vigilant and relocate to safer places if necessary.
Mansehra Response
- Bridge Reconstruction: Authorities are focused on reconstructing a bridge and safely opening a lake formed by flash floods blocking the Kunhar River near Mahandri.
- Challenges: Deputy Commissioner Adnan Khan Bhittani highlighted the dual challenges of building a bridge and managing the artificial lake.
- Temporary Solutions: Efforts to install a temporary passage at the Manor stream have been unsuccessful due to strong torrents washing away materials.
- Zipline Installation: Locals have installed a zipline to evacuate stranded tourists in the Manor valley.
- Traders’ Demands: Local traders whose shops were destroyed in the flash floods have urged the government to expedite the reopening of roads by reconstructing the bridge.
The flash floods in Upper and Lower Chitral have caused extensive damage, displacing families and destroying vital infrastructure. Emergency responses are underway, but challenges remain in restoring connectivity and ensuring the safety of residents. Authorities are working to address these issues and support affected communities.
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