SHANGLA: Flash floods on Wednesday washed away a bridge connecting upper parts of Kana tehsil with the rest of the district.
The bridge, built around four decades ago, had already been partially damaged in the 2024 floods. The latest flooding washed away the structure, causing serious difficulties for residents of Karshat, Damorai, Ajmer, Pir Khana, Ganshal and other localities.
The bridge was an important link for residents, who used it for access to markets and other essential services.
Following its collapse, people have been forced to cross the nullah on foot, making movement particularly difficult for families, elderly people and those carryingfood and other essential supplies.
Residents said the bridge’s destruction had created serious problems for the population, particularly as it was the main route connecting their communities with other parts of the tehsil and district.
They said the bridge had remained in a vulnerable condition since the 2024 floods, but no permanent rehabilitation had been carried out before the latest flooding, which washed it away.
‘We have been facing difficulties since the bridge was partially damaged last year, but now the situation has become much worse,’ said a resident, Shaukat Ali.He said people were forced to walk through the nullah while carrying ration and othernecessities, addingthat the route was particularly difficult for women, children and the elderly.
Another resident, Bakht Munir, saidthousands of people from several villages used the bridge and its collapse had affected their daily lives.
Residents urged the district administration and relevant departments to reconstructthebridge.Deputy commissioner Mohammad Abdullah said efforts were also underway to restore traffic on the route so that residents could continue travelling between the affected areas and other parts of the district.