Flash floods triggered by glacial melting have washed away the only bridge linking Yarkhun Valley in Upper Chitral with the rest of the district, cutting off nearly 50,000 residents and disrupting road access. According to local reports on Sunday, a sudden surge in water levels at Bang Gol in the Yarkhun area caused widespread flooding, damaging houses, orchards and other property while inundating several localities.
Bridge Collapse and Road Closures
The floodwaters swept away the only bridge spanning Bang Nullah, forcing the closure of the Yarkhun Valley Road and severing the valley’s sole road connection with the rest of Upper Chitral. Authorities also closed the Mastuj–Broghil Road to all traffic as a precaution following the flooding, further complicating transport and access to affected areas.
Impact on Residents and Appeal for Help
Residents have appealed to the relevant authorities, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and humanitarian organisations to launch immediate relief operations, restore road connectivity and provide emergency assistance to affected families. The loss of the bridge has left thousands stranded, with limited access to food, medicine and other essentials.
