September 16,2025
Web desk
Chitral:
Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in different parts of Chitral, where flash floods have hit more than 20 locations, sweeping away vehicles, farmland, and key road links. One mosque has collapsed while several houses have also sustained damage.
According to Express News, after heavy downpours around the Lowari Tunnel, streams in Ashrait and nearby areas overflowed, causing a surge in floodwaters. The Chitral–Peshawar highway remained blocked for several hours, leaving hundreds of passenger vehicles stranded inside the Lowari Tunnel. Stranded travelers reported facing severe hardship due to the lack of basic facilities.
Officials from the National Highway Authority said that clearance and repair work on the affected road is underway, but recurring flood surges continue to disrupt efforts to restore traffic flow. On the other hand, the Dir–Chitral road and some adjoining routes have been reopened for vehicular movement.
Meanwhile, the district administration has appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that further rains could worsen the flood situation and pose serious risks.
