Leepa Valley Isolated as Landslide Closes Only Road to Muzaffarabad
News Desk
Muzaffarabad: The vital Reshian-Leepa Road, which serves as the only lifeline connecting Leepa Valley to the rest of the country, has been blocked due to severe landslides, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded on either side of the affected area, according to a private news channel.
The road closure has left passengers in a state of uncertainty, as long queues of vehicles have formed, creating a chaotic scene at both the Reshian and Leepa Valley sides.
The landslide, triggered by recent heavy rainfall, has caused significant disruption to daily life in the remote region, which relies heavily on this route for essential supplies, medical services, and communication with Muzaffarabad.
Local authorities have confirmed that machinery has been dispatched to the site, and a clearing operation is underway. However, the spokesperson for the Highways Division has stated that it could take several hours, if not days, to remove the large debris blocking the road.
Despite efforts being made on a priority basis, the situation remains challenging, especially considering the region’s mountainous terrain and frequent weather-related disruptions.
In the meantime, stranded passengers have expressed their frustration, with some travelers waiting for over 12 hours without any clear timeline for when they will be able to continue their journey.
Local businesses and residents of Leepa Valley are also feeling the impact, as essential goods, including food and medical supplies, have become increasingly scarce due to the inaccessibility of the area.
While the local administration has assured citizens that the road will be cleared as soon as possible, many are questioning the long-term resilience of the infrastructure, which has proven vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides and flooding.
Calls for better road planning and enhanced disaster preparedness in the region have intensified, as residents and travelers alike face ongoing challenges in the wake of the closure.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of remote mountainous areas in Pakistan, where the lack of alternative routes and insufficient infrastructure can quickly turn a natural disaster into a full-blown crisis for local populations.
For now, the residents of Leepa Valley and stranded travelers are left hoping that the road will be cleared soon, restoring their access to essential services and the outside world.
