CHITRAL, June 15: The streams of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur valleys in Kalash are in high flood washing away dozens of suspension bridges.

The flooding is caused by the melting of glaciers due to the soaring mercury.

Each of the three valleys is bisected by streams flowing longitudinally and the suspension bridges made of wooden planks connect the populations on both sides.

The number of such bridges runs into hundreds.

According to the residents of Tash Khan Kalash and Dambur Kalash areas in Rumbur valley, their region was worst affected by the stream flooding, which had washed away more than two dozen suspension bridges.

They said the destruction of suspension bridges had stressed out the people, who were struggling to reach other sides of the streams, and schoolchildren were among them.

The valley residents said the people had to cover long distances by foot to cross the streams.

Muhkam Ayuni, a local development expert, said Brunthaar and Duatanga villages were the worst affected by flooding in the valley streams. He said the destruction of suspension bridges had inconvenienced tourists by restricting their movement.

He said it might take weeks for the government to repair or rebuild bridges. — Zahiruddin