18 Apr 2023 | 12:36 PM UTC
Pakistan: Landslides and flooding causing road closures and casualties across northern regions as of April 18
Landslides and floods cause disruptions on major routes across parts of northern Pakistan as of April 18. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to landslides and flooding are ongoing on major routes across parts of northern Pakistan as of April 18 amid adverse weather in the region. A landslide occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Khyber District during a thunder and lightning storm in the early hours of April 18. The incident occurred on the Khyber Pass close to the Afghanistan border on the main route between Peshawar and the Torkham border crossing. Around 20 trucks were reportedly buried in the landslide, and authorities have confirmed at least two fatalities and at least 12 others have been injured. Response operations are ongoing, and dozens of others are believed to be trapped in the landslide. Lingering disruptions are likely in the area as rescue and road clearance operations continue.
Landslides and flooding have also blocked sections of the Karakoram Highway in Kohistan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The route is the main artery between Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan Administrative Territory. Several other roads in Kohistan District and neighboring Diamier District in Gilgit-Baltistan Administrative Territory have reportedly been blocked by landslides.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further thunderstorms, heavy downpours, possible hail, and dust storms across the region through at least April 20. Further adverse weather could cause additional disruptions in the region and hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updates on road status and weather conditions. Confirm road status and seek alternative routes to reach destinations in the affected areas; allow additional travel time. Delivery disruptions are possible; consider delaying or rerouting shipments until road access normalizes. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
