BALAKOT:
Heavy rains, flash floods, and cloudbursts have severely affected the tourism industry of the Kaghan Valley. Tourist flow during July and August remained negligible, leaving popular destinations such as Shogran, Kaghan, Naran, and Babusar Top deserted. Businesses linked to tourism are facing heavy losses.
The valley, already vulnerable due to climate change, is witnessing rapid glacial melt this year. While June saw unusually low rainfall, July and August brought continuous downpours, causing landslides, flash floods, and overflowing streams that crippled tourism. As a result, tourist activities have yet to recover, leaving local businesses in distress.
Experts warn that the impacts of climate change could last for years unless a comprehensive strategy is developed. Timely measures are essential, particularly strict action against illegal constructions along riverbanks, to remove obstructions in water flow and mitigate future disasters.
