Tragedy struck Reshun village in Upper Chitral as five families were left homeless due to the relentless erosion caused by the swollen Chitral River. The flooded river not only rendered families homeless but also destroyed a crucial segment of the Chitral-Shandur Road, cutting off Lower Chitral from Gilgit-Baltistan.
Despite efforts by the irrigation department to build a protection wall costing Rs60 million last year, the floods still ravaged the village, leaving residents displaced and helpless. Villagers recounted how the river had claimed 18 houses in the past years, leaving many families in tents.
The village council chairman blamed both the National Highway Authority and the irrigation department for neglecting the situation, leading to the ongoing devastation. Despite the government’s inaction, efforts are being made to provide assistance to the affected families and assess their losses for compensation.
As the village continues to battle against the relentless river, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger preventive measures and proactive efforts to protect vulnerable communities from natural disasters.