Heavy Snowfall and Avalanches Leave Thousands Stranded in Astore
GILGIT: Thousands of residents in Astore remain stranded as heavy snowfall and avalanches have blocked roads and destroyed a key bridge, cutting off large parts of the district from the rest of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Key Developments:
- Widespread Disruptions: Several areas, including Burzil Top, Chillum Daskhiram, and Mirmalik, received up to six inches of snow, severely affecting transportation and communication.
- No Power & Communication: Many areas are without electricity and mobile network services, leaving residents isolated.
- Severe Shortages: The lack of medicine, food, and access to hospitals has made the situation critical, especially for patients requiring emergency medical care.
Areas Affected:
- Completely Cut Off: Manimarg, Gultari, Trishang, and Shankargarh have been inaccessible for days.
- Bridge Destroyed: An avalanche in Mirmalik Batwash near Shuntar Pass damaged a connecting bridge and homes, displacing residents.
Struggles for Basic Necessities:
- Medical Crisis:
- With no doctors or medicines at Chillum Government Hospital, patients— including elderly people, pregnant women, and children—struggle to get treatment.
- Some residents are forced to walk long distances or seek help at military camps.
- Food Shortage:
- As Ramazan begins, the food crisis has worsened, adding to the hardships of those stranded.
Desperate Calls for Help:
- Locals have urged authorities to start medical camps, conduct helicopter evacuations, and clear snow from roads immediately.
- In the long term, residents demand better roads, permanent hospitals, and stronger infrastructure to prevent such crises.
A viral video on social media showed locals carrying a patient on their shoulders for 10 kilometers to the district headquarters hospital, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.
