GILGIT: Landslides and flash flood triggered by monsoon rains wreak­­ed havoc in Kushnat, Pakora, Mominabad and other villages of Astore, killing two children of a family and destroying a veterinary hospital, a private school, several shops, cattle sheds, agricultural land, trees and crops.

According to police, landslides and flash flood caused widespread des­truction in upper areas of Pakora, Kushwant and Mominabad areas of Astoor district.

Two children of a family died when they were hit by the landslide while other people of the affected area fled to Kushnat village to save their lives.

The flood water entered homes of the people of these areas, forcing them to stay under the open sky for the whole night.

The water supply line has also been destroyed by flood water and Astor Deosai road has also been blocked at five places because of landslides. Bulldozers of the district administration and Pakistan army were working on both sides to restore the road.

The flood also left a trail of destruction in Pakora and Mominabad villages.

In Pakora, two private hotels, as many homes, a private bank and standing crops on several acres were damaged.

The deputy commissioner of Astore visited flood-affected area and assured affected people of all possible help from the government.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2024