MUZAFFARABAD: Widespread heavy rains and subsequent flooding have forced authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to declare all government and private educational institutions closed for two days on August 15 and 16.
A notification in this regard has been issued. The decision has been taken in view of the incessant rains and the threat of landslides across the region.
In a tragic incident, a cloudburst triggered flash floods in the Naseerabad area of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of six members of a family.
Other areas including Bagh and Samahni have also been badly affected, with rivers and drains overflowing due to heavy rains. The Bhimbar Nallah in Samahni is reportedly facing high levels of flooding.
Meanwhile, landslides and floods have wreaked havoc in several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Three people lost their lives and three are missing in a landslide in Ghizer. Siblings washed away in Diamer flash flood. Another child injured in a landslide on Babusar Road.
In Hunza, erosion continues on both banks of the Hassanabad river due to the melting of the Sheshpar glacier. Authorities have issued evacuation notices, and residents have started vacating their homes as a precautionary measure.
The floods have caused extensive damage to crops, homes, schools and agricultural lands.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has declared a state of emergency in several areas. Government spokesman Faizullah Faraq urged residents of the Chinar Bagh area to remain alert and evacuate low-lying areas.
The popular tourist destination of Siran Valley in Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also affected. Heavy rains caused a river to overflow near the Siran Valley Family Park, stranding around 1,300 tourists. Emergency officials successfully evacuated all the visitors to safer places.
