NDMA Urges Travel Ban to Northern Areas Amid Monsoon Hazards

News Desk

Islamabad: Amid heightened risks of landslides and flash floods during the ongoing monsoon season, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid traveling to hilly and disaster-affected regions.

Acting on directives from the Prime Minister, the NDMA has instructed concerned authorities to immediately limit tourism activities in vulnerable areas. Law enforcement agencies in tourist zones have been ordered to strictly enforce these new restrictions.

The NDMA emphasized that public movement in high-risk regions must be reduced during active monsoon periods to protect lives and support emergency operations. The advisory also mentioned that Section 144 may be enforced, if necessary, to restrict tourism and ensure public safety. Citizens are advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow updates from verified official sources.

Severe weather conditions in Gilgit-Baltistan and surrounding northern areas have significantly disrupted transportation infrastructure, prompting urgent travel warnings.

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has specifically urged the public to avoid travel to northern regions due to extensive road closures, landslides, and flood-related damage.

Several key routes have been rendered inaccessible, including the Somro Bridge in Ghanche, and the Saltoro and Baghicha bridges in Skardu, all of which have sustained major damage.

The Jaglot–Skardu Road is currently closed, while roads in Dayan, Thali Baroq, and Kalti (Ghizer) are also completely blocked. Access to areas such as Gilgit, Jaglot, Guru, and Naltar is cut off. The Gilgit–Hunza corridor, including Gulmit, Gojal, and the Babusar Top route, is entirely shut down.

The NDMA continues to warn of ongoing threats of flooding and landslides in regions including Torghar, Battagram, Shangla, Lower Kohistan, Tata Pani, Gilgit, Hunza, and Swat. Tourists and travelers are strongly advised to postpone non-essential visits and prioritize safety until the situation improves.