Hundreds of tourists hailing from different cities across the country were stranded in Kaghan valley as due to landslides and flashfloods causes by heavy rains. According to details, heavy rains lashed different areas of the valley causing landslides and flooding the nullahs. Flooded nullah at Mahandri swept away the steel girder bridge due to which road was closed completely. Landsides at various localities of Kaghan road also resulted in disruption of traffic and long of queues were witnessed at different localities. Bridge collapse at Mahandri has increased worries of not only the visitors but the local people.

District administration said that all resources were being utilized to remove the landslides but building bridge can take weeks and it was working for alternate arrangements to rescue the stranded tourists. It said that rain was likely to continue during next 24 hours due to which rescue activities could not started instantly. The administration assured that the stranded tourists would be accommodated regarding residence and provision of food and no charges would be received from them. The trapped visitors and local people have demanded of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to take the notice of the situation and direct for strict action to remove their grievances.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan