CHITRAL: A sudden surge in glacial meltwater triggered flash flooding in Upper Chitral on Saturday, washing away a vital bridge and cutting off ground access to the remote Yarkhun Valley, officials said.
Heavy flooding in the Bang Gol area of Yarkhun resulted in an abrupt rise in water levels in local streams and rivers, causing widespread damage to homes, orchards, and nearby infrastructure. Several low-lying areas were reportedly inundated as floodwaters spread across settlements.
However, the most damaging effect has occurred at the Bang Nullah Bridge, the only road link between the Yarkhun Valley and other parts of the district, which got washed away with the strong flow of water. This has blocked access to land for this population of some 50,000 people in the valley.
Since then, all traffic on the Yarkhun Valley Road has been blocked. It has been revealed that the Mastuj-Broghil Road is also closed.
Local administration officials said emergency assessments are underway, while residents have called for urgent rescue and relief operations. Community members have also appealed to the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and humanitarian organizations to restore access routes and provide immediate assistance to affected families.
