Authorities have closed the Naran–Lake Saif-ul-Malook Road to all types of traffic until further orders after heavy monsoon rains lashed the upper parts of Hazara Division, triggering landslides, flash flooding, and road blockages at several locations.
Lake Saif-ul-Malook road closed as heavy rains trigger landslides, flooding across Upper Hazara
MANSEHRA, Jul 31 (APP):Authorities have closed the Naran–Lake Saif-ul-Malook Road to all types of traffic until further orders after heavy monsoon rains lashed the upper parts of Hazara Division, triggering landslides, flash flooding, and road blockages at several locations.
The precautionary closure was ordered in view of the ongoing heavy rainfall, the risk of cloudbursts, and weather advisories issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The torrential downpour caused landslides and road obstructions along several mountainous routes in Upper Hazara, disrupting traffic and increasing the risk for commuters and tourists.
In District Mansehra, the River Kunhar and several seasonal streams swelled due to heavy rainfall, with authorities warning of the possibility of flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Officials said the closure of the Naran–Lake Saif-ul-Malook Road was a precautionary measure to safeguard tourists and local residents from potential hazards posed by adverse weather conditions and possible cloudburst incidents.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that intermittent heavy rainfall is likely to continue in Hazara Division over the coming hours. The department has warned that intense downpours may trigger flash floods in rivers and streams, urban flooding in low-lying areas, and landslides in mountainous regions.
District authorities have advised tourists to postpone travel to Naran, Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Kaghan Valley, Babusar Top, and other upper tourist destinations until weather conditions improve. Local residents have also been urged to avoid unnecessary movement, particularly near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas, and to strictly follow official advisories.
The administration said road restoration work would commence as soon as weather conditions permit, while the Naran–Lake Saif-ul-Malook Road will remain closed to all traffic until further orders to ensure public safety.
