In a devastating turn of events, two ice glaciers erupted in Balakot's renowned tourist destination, Naran, burying many hotels and houses under their weight. The incident has sparked fears of significant financial losses amounting to tens of millions of rupees. The Kaghan Development Authority swiftly convened an emergency meeting to address the situation and formed a dedicated team tasked with assessing the extent of the damage. Reports from Naran indicate that the avalanches triggered by the eruption of the Ghamla and Chapran glaciers on Lake Road resulted in the burial of several establishments yesterday. However, access to Naran has been severely restricted due to multiple avalanches blocking the roads, hindering government agencies' efforts to provide detailed damage assessments. Director General of Kaghan Development Authority, Muhammad Shabbir Khan, chaired the emergency meeting and established a committee to promptly evaluate the damage. This committee is tasked with submitting its recommendations to the board and facilitating the reopening of Naran Road. Immediate efforts will be initiated upon road clearance to assist in the rehabilitation of affected property owners along Lake Road. Also read: Glacier burst closes Kaghan-Naran road Shabbir Khan emphasised the Kaghan Development Authority's commitment to providing comprehensive support to local residents and hotel owners during this challenging time. He stressed the importance of discouraging construction in areas historically prone to glacier movements. The authority he said will collaborate closely with local elders, particularly senior citizens well-versed in such situations, to prevent future investors from enduring substantial losses. Furthermore, the Kaghan Development Authority plans to leverage modern technology, including Google mapping, to promote better urban planning and construction practices in safer zones. These initiatives will form part of the authority's long-term planning strategy to mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future. The ice glacier eruption underscores the vulnerability of mountainous regions to natural disasters and highlights the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard lives and property in such areas. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, local communities, and technological advancements aim to ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for Naran and its inhabitants.
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