The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a strong travel advisory, warning citizens to avoid northern Pakistan after a fresh wave of landslides and flash floods triggered by relentless monsoon rains.
The advisory highlights Gilgit-Baltistan as the most severely impacted region, where transport infrastructure has been devastated and several districts remain cut off.
According to NDMA, heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage, leaving major roads and bridges unusable. In Ghanche District, the collapse of the Somro and Saltoro bridges has severed connections with nearby areas. In Skardu, the Baghicha Bridge sustained structural damage, while in Ghizer, critical links from Diyan and Thale Broq to Ghizer have been completely closed.
Roads in Shandur, Khaltai, Dain, and Ishkoman remain fully blocked, and the Hopper–Nagar, Gulmit–Gojal, and Gilgit–Jaglot routes are inaccessible. Astore’s Chilm Road is also shut, with limited passage only through the dangerous Deosai route. Similarly, roads from Thangol Nala to Shigar and from Kargil to Kharmang have been declared unsafe.
The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan’s vital trade route with China, has been heavily impacted by landslides and glacial floods in Gulmit, Gojal, and Hunza. Several bridges have been buried under debris, leaving travelers stranded and disrupting cross-border trade through the Khunjerab Pass.
NDMA has urged citizens to strictly avoid non-essential travel, warning against the use of unsafe alternate routes. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to enforce restrictions, and the imposition of Section 144 is being considered in high-risk zones.
Officials added that NDMA is actively coordinating with federal and provincial bodies to ensure timely dissemination of alerts and to strengthen emergency preparedness. Citizens are strongly advised to rely only on official updates, avoid rumor-driven travel decisions, and prioritize safety above all.