Kalam Road has been closed to all traffic after an avalanche was spotted near Lal Glacier in Kalam, in the Upper Swat valley, with authorities restricting movement in the area.
The avalanche was spotted on Friday, and the road was closed the same day, according to the report. The report did not mention any casualties. The administration said the road would remain closed until the snow had been cleared and the route declared safe, and tourists have been asked to wait for an update before travelling to the area.
According to the Assistant Commissioner of Kalam, tourists have been advised not to move ahead until the area is completely cleared and declared safe. The assistant commissioner has directed the Upper Swat Development Authority (USDA) to immediately start removing snow and clearing the route to ensure safe passage.
Tourists have been asked to follow the instructions of the administration and avoid travelling further until the clearance operation is completed. Kalam is a popular tourist destination in Upper Swat, and its road links the town with the surrounding valleys.
The Upper Swat Development Authority is the agency responsible for development and road clearance work in the area. It has previously deployed heavy machinery to clear routes in Upper Swat after landslides and glacier runoff blocked roads, including Shaho Road, which was reopened after a closure caused by heavy rain and fast-flowing glacier water.
The closure comes as winter weather affects the northern areas. The National Disaster Management Authority issued a weather alert for rain, snowfall and fog across the country, and authorities have repeatedly advised tourists to remain cautious while travelling through mountainous areas, where rain and glacier activity can increase the risk of landslides and road blockages.
The Kalam valley has seen glacier-related incidents before. In July this year, a tourist lost his life after a glacier collapsed near Andrab Lake in the area, and days later seven people were caught in a glacier collapse in the Matiltan area of Kalam, leaving three injured and one person missing, according to rescue officials. Authorities have since urged tourists and local residents to avoid venturing close to glaciers and to follow safety advisories.