Traffic on the Karakoram Highway remained suspended for the second consecutive day today (Thursday).
The road was blocked due to landslides at various points from Goharabad to Lal Pari in Diamer. The Karakoram Highway was also blocked near Khunjerab Pass where a landslide hit the road early this morning.
The Gilgit-Skardu road was also blocked in Astak Nallah.
Workers from the Frontier Works Organization are engaged in restoring traffic by removing debris from road sides.
According to a report by Geo.tv, the Karakoram Highway is closed at nine places from Tata Pani to Lal Pari, including Gandlo, Raikot and other places, the Chilas assistant commissioner said.
Heavy machinery has been installed on both sides of the Karakoram, he said, adding that there are difficulties in rehabilitation work due to landslides.
The GB home department said work on opening the blocked portions of the Karakoram Highway started early Thursday morning.
Landslides have occurred at nine places on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan, the home department said, adding that the Gilgit-Astore Road has been opened for traffic.
According to the GB home department, the Gilgit-Baltistan Road was blocked at 15 places due to landslides.
They said the Disaster Management Authority and Frontier Works Organisation worked day and night to restore the Gilgit-Astore Road and all kinds of traffic on the highway has been restored.
The debris from landslides has been been cleared from seven spots along the Karakoram Highway, while the FWO teams are working on rehabilitating the road.
The GB home department says the road will be reopened soon if there is no more rain or landslides, with FWOs, NHAs and district officers overseeing rehabilitation work on the spot.
They have directed passengers to wait in Chilas till the road opens. Inter-district highways are also being opened on an emergency basis.
Meanwhile, rain has continued in the city intermittently for the last three days in several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Houses and crops have been damaged and ground connectivity has been cut off.