Earthquake: Landslides block Karakoram Highway, disrupt Optic Fiber link

GILGIT: Aftershocks of the Monday night’s 5.6 magnitude earthquake continued in Gilgit and adjoining areas, ARY News reported.

The tremors yesterday also jolted Mingora, Swat and other areas. The people passed their night in extreme cold weather in open spaces out of fear of the aftershocks.

The earthquake triggered landslides in the region at various points which blocked strategic Karakoram Highway and other roads. The highway remained blocked near Murtazaabad, Nilt Nagar and Sost after landslides hit it, the police department of the region said.

Gilgit-Skardu road was also blocked near Kachura, Astak and Shingus-Bulachi after heavy landslides, due to earthquake.

Police department officials said that the road leading to Astore near Douyoun, Skardu road, Ghizer-Chitral road were remained blocked after the earthquake.

According to reports the Optic Fiber Cable has also been affected in the earthquake resulting in suspension of the Internet services in Astore, Deosai, Jaglot and other parts of Baltistan disrupting the communication link of the region with other parts of the country.