Monday, October 10 2005 13:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: The Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service, connecting both sides of Kashmir, is likely to be suspended for a few weeks due to the severe damage to the road network in quake-hit Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The newly built Muzaffarabad-Srinagar road has been affected by Saturday's earthquake, PoK Construction Minister Tariq said indicating that the fortnightly bus service might get affected.

The road network and bridges of PoK have been mostly damaged and it may take several weeks for the repair of roads for repaired and for restoration of a sense of normality.

The Muzaffarabad-Srinagar road has been damaged severely near Chakoti which was hit by landslides, he told sources.

The PoK side of Aman Setu, the bridge on the LoC had sunk due to the massive earthquake epicentred near Chakoti.

About 80 percent houses of Muzaffarabad district have been damaged or destroyed.

The road leading to Muzaffarabad from Mansehra, Garahi Habibullah has been opened for light traffic. Rescue work is being carried out from this road, he added.

Some injured have also been shifted to Abbottabad, Mansehra hospitals through this route.