Recent rains and floods have caused widespread devastation in Gilgit-Baltistan, where Asia’s longest wooden bridge was swept away by floodwaters in the Ghizer District’s Ashkoman Tehsil.

The bridge used to connect the villages of Chitorkhand and Dain, and was not only the only means of transportation for the local population but was also considered a tourist destination, drawing visitors from both home and abroad.

With the bridge’s destruction, the area’s land connection has been completely severed, paralysing local life.

The flood caused the most damage in Dain, the largest village in Ashkoman tehsil, where more than a hundred houses were either swept away or severely damaged. Two people were killed in this disaster.

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According to the area residents, their primary demand is not immediate relief or provision of tents, but the restoration of the bridge so that their children can reach their educational institutions and their academic year is not wasted.

Villagers have said that if the bridge is not rebuilt, not only education but also employment, health facilities and the supply of essential goods will come to a complete halt.

The area people emphasised that they are more concerned about the future of their children than the supply of food or other items.

According to experts, the destruction of the bridge has not only affected local transportation but has also dealt a severe blow to tourism.

Other areas of Ghizer, such as Sher Qila, also have wooden bridges, but they are not as large as the destroyed bridge.

Tourism circles have urged the government to immediately restore the bridge and ensure the construction of alternative routes to prevent further damage to the region’s economy and tourism.

Meanwhile, the district administration has said that emergency measures are being taken to restore the bridge and help the affected people.