Zahiruddin
Chitral, April 13, 2026: Residents and experts in Chitral have warned of a growing threat of severe flooding as summer approaches.
They urged the authorities concerned to urgently construct protective embankments along the Chitral River to safeguard vulnerable communities.
Over the past two decades, flood intensity has increased significantly across the region, stretching from Broghil Valley in the north to Arandu near the Pak-Afghan border in the south.
Experts attribute this rise to climate change and accelerated glacial melting, which have led to the erosion of low-lying villages and the loss of valuable agricultural land.
Several areas, including Yarkhun Valley villages such as Dubargar, Pawer and Kargin, have suffered extensive damage. Similarly, Reshun, Green Lasht, and Shoghor remain among the most high-risk locations.
In Lower Chitral, places like Ayun, Drosh, and Khairabad continue to face recurring threats of displacement during the summer season.
Former MPA Syed Sardar Hussain Shah criticized the lack of long-term planning, noting that a comprehensive flood protection plan was previously presented but never implemented. He emphasized that only about four percent of Chitral’s land is cultivable, making its continued loss to flooding a serious concern.
Environmental experts warn that the situation may worsen further. Local ecologist Hamid Mir highlighted that the region is home to more than 500 glaciers, many of which are melting at an alarming rate. He cautioned that rising temperatures could lead to more frequent and intense floods, making permanent protective structures essential for the valley’s survival.
Without immediate intervention, residents fear that worsening floods could eventually wipe out entire historic villages, underscoring the urgency for coordinated action and long-term planning.