S. Shahabuddin
YARKHUN, Aug 13, 2025: Flooding in the Yarkhun River has damaged more than 20 families in Birzoz village.
The river’s strong currents swept away farmland, fruit trees, standing crops, and construction timber. It also destroyed the local cricket ground. Many families lost their only source of income and part of their homes.
The Yarkhun valley has faced repeated floods in recent years. Glacial melt, heavy rains, and landslides often trigger them. These disasters damage land and homes and cut off road links for days or weeks. Locals say the floods are becoming more frequent and intense.
Residents of Birzoz blame government neglect. They say the lack of protective walls and cleaning at the Shich Gol stream has forced the river to change course. This shift now threatens the entire village.
Elders and youth are demanding urgent action. They call on the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), the Upper Chitral district administration, and Deputy Speaker and MPA Suriya Bibi to build embankments and channelize the river to save the remaining land.
