Balakot:
Heavy rains, sudden floods and cloud bubbles have severely affected the Kaghan Valley tourism industry. The tourist flow during July and August remained insignificant, leaving deserted popular destinations such as shogran, Kaghan, Naran and Babusar. Companies linked to tourism face great losses.
The valley, already vulnerable due to climate change, is witnessing a rapid glacial melting this year. While June saw unusually low rains, July and August brought continuous downpours, causing landslides, sudden floods and overflowing streams that paralyzed tourism. As a result, tourist activities have not yet recovered, leaving local businesses in trouble.
Experts warn that climate change impacts could last years unless a comprehensive strategy is developed. The appropriate measures are essential, particularly a strict action against illegal constructions along the banks of the river, to eliminate obstructions in the flow of water and mitigate future disasters.
