Bridge Down, Crops Destroyed: Korphay Village Faces Double Disaster

Flooding has devastated the Braldo Valley of Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, for the past five days, with the remote village of Korphay suffering severe damage.

Triggered by heavy rainfall and glacial runoff, the flood swept through farmland, destroyed wheat and vegetable crops, uprooted trees, and washed away animal sheds and storage units. Korphay’s residents, mostly small-scale farmers, have lost their homes and their livelihoods just before harvest season.

Villagers say no early warning was issued, and they were forced to flee in the middle of the night, saving only what they could carry. With roads blocked and communication lines down, Korphay remains cut off from the rest of Shigar district.

The bridge is more than just a crossing — it is a lifeline for the community. Its repeated destruction highlights the urgent need for a long-term solution. Without a reliable and resilient bridge, the village will continue to face disaster every year.

On the other  hand, the only footbridge connecting Korphay to the rest of the region has once again been submerged due to the rising river levels, cutting off access to food, medicine, and basic supplies.

This is not the first time the village has faced such isolation. Last year, a vehicle bridge was completely washed away by over flowing of river and still has not been rebuilt since last summer. Now, with the pedestrian bridge also underwater, the entire community is left stranded.

Residents are calling on the government and humanitarian organizations to act quickly. They need emergency relief — food, shelter, medical aid — and most importantly, a permanent bridge that can withstand future floods.

This is not just a seasonal problem — it’s a crisis of neglect that puts lives and livelihoods at risk year after year. Immediate action is needed to restore access and rebuild hope in Korphay.