Gilgit - Baltistan
MASSIVE AVALANCHES BLOCKS KKH NEAR GULMIT
By: Zulfiqar Ali Khan
HUNZA, February 28: A massive avalanche on Saturday night blocked KKH for all types of traffic near Gulmit in Upper Hunza. The avalanche has covered the KKH and also blocked the alternate link road used to cross traffic in case of avalanches during previous years.
The area Wuch Shoth near Gulmit is known for its susceptibility to avalanches therefore a new bridge on KKH is under construction at alternate location in order to avoid blockade of KKH.
The heavy snowfall during the winter also brings extreme avalanche and flood risks during the summer.
Zulfiqar has rightly said that due to heavy snow falls this year, there are more chances of flood and other natural calamities in summer as well.
Avalanche often creates hurdles in our daily life like the transportation problem on Karakorum High Way (KKH). Unluckily, the alternate way has also come under avalanche. It clearly shows that public has to suffer a lot.
What is the way out? Is there any remedial measure(s) that can prevent us from such problems/hurdles in future? I think for every problem there is a remedy. If we think for a long term perspective, we would avoid such problem in future. The new under construction bridge at alternate location to avoid blockade of KKH would definitely provide a helping hand in this regard. Until, the new bridge is ready public would suffer. I would request concerned authorities to take an example from this unforseen situation and come up with sustainable solutions in future.
Regards
Shujaat Ali