GILGIT / MUZAFFARABAD: The Karakoram Highway (KKH) was reopened for traffic on Sunday, but the Astore Valley road remained blocked amid heavy rainfall and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, while authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir issued emergency alerts and warned of adverse weather over the next 12 to 24 hours.
The KKH was blocked after a landslide near the Lachi area in Kohistan late Saturday night. According to police, light traffic was restored after nearly 20 hours.
Thousands of passengers travelling to and from GB remained stranded for several hours due to the disruption, police said.
The district administration has urged the public to take precautionary measures in view of the ongoing weather conditions. Landslides have also blocked the Shounter Road in Astore Valley, police added.
Last week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms — with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms — in the upper parts of the country from April 16 to 19.
AJK authority issues 24-hour emergency weather alert; snowfall expected in high-altitude regions
A westerly wave entered the northwestern regions on April 16 and is likely to persist in the upper areas until April 19.
For GB, the PMD said rain, wind and thunderstorms — with moderate to isolated heavy falls and snowfall over mountains — were expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, with occasional breaks. The department also warned of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GB and Kashmir during this period.
AJK weather alert
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Sunday issued an urgent weather alert, warning of widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and windstorms across the region over the next 24 hours.
According to the advisory based on PMD forecasts, the weather system is expected to impact Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bagh, Haveli, Mirpur, Bhimber and surrounding areas, with snowfall also predicted for high-altitude regions.
The authority warned that the expected downpours and thunderstorms could lead to reduced visibility and dangerously slippery road conditions, while snowfall in the hilly tracts is likely to cause significant travel delays and disruptions to transport links.
In light of these risks, the SDMA directed all deputy commissioners and the communications and works department to remain on high alert and ensure the readiness of emergency response mechanisms.
Administrative heads were instructed to provide updates twice a day to the SDMA. Officials were also tasked with reporting any damage to life, property or infrastructure immediately upon occurrence.
Meanwhile, citizens and tourists were advised to stay updated via local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel.
Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026
