District admin timely evacuation prevents casualties as fresh cloudburst hits Kaghan

MANSEHRA, Jul 21 (APP):A fresh cloudburst triggered flash flooding in vulnerable areas of Kaghan Valley on Tuesday, but timely evacuation by the District Administration, assisted by Rescue 1122, Police and other field formations, prevented any loss of life, according to an official report.

The report said community-based Early Warning System (EWS) teams detected rising water levels and immediately alerted residents and tourists. Following the directions of Deputy Commissioner Mansehra, officials evacuated people from low-lying areas, including Darmiana Garan, Kaghan Bazaar, Gulbagh and nearby settlements, before floodwaters reached populated areas.

Authorities temporarily closed the main Kaghan Bridge on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road as a precaution, while a landslide at Soach blocked the highway. National Highway Authority (NHA) teams launched clearance work, and stranded tourists and residents were shifted to safer locations.

Meanwhile, torrential rains washed away the only bridge connecting around 12 villages in Siran Valley of Tehsil Baffa Pakhal, disrupting road access. Debris was cleared from the Siran Road, while the Communication and Works (C&W) Department was approached for reconstruction of the damaged bridge.

The report noted that TMA machinery could not reach the affected site because the damaged access road was impassable. However, debris, stones and mud deposited on the Siran Road by floodwaters were removed to restore traffic flow.

In view of repeated monsoon-related emergencies, Deputy Commissioner Mansehra has directed all revenue officers, field staff and heads of line departments to remain available round the clock, including weekends, to ensure a prompt response to any future disaster.

Officials maintained continuous coordination between the Tehsil Administration Balakot, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), District Administration and all field formations throughout the emergency, enabling real-time monitoring and swift decision-making. The report said hundreds of people were evacuated before the flood peak, preventing any deaths or injuries.