GILGIT: Travel safety in Gilgit-Baltistan remains manageable for prepared tourists despite viral videos of flash floods and landslides.
The recent flood and landslide clips were real but showed isolated incidents, including a cloudburst in Diamer’s Thore Valley. It said they did not reflect conditions across the entire region.
Main routes, including the Karakoram Highway and the Naran-Kaghan road, remain operational despite temporary and localised blocks.
Heavy rains on June 17 triggered landslides on parts of the Karakoram Highway in Diamer and Baltistan Road in Skardu. However, local authorities cleared debris after the blockages.
The landslides remain a routine summer risk in northern Pakistan because heat loosens rock faces and monsoon rain can trigger mudflows.
Read: NDMA Weather Alert Warns of Floods, Landslides in North
It cited Raza Haider, Director North at WWF-Pakistan, as saying sharp temperature changes make mountain slopes unstable by expanding and contracting rocks.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood alert for parts of the region.
Tourism officials cited in the report said such alerts usually target remote valleys and do not necessarily close main transport routes.
Travellers were advised to check the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority.
Tourist Police updates before departure, avoid driving during active rain and complete mountain travel early in the day.
