Heavy snow blocks roads and strands residents as evacuation deadline extended to February 5
KHYBER:
Residents of the Tirah Valley were left stranded in several places due to heavy snowfall, prompting authorities to extend the evacuation deadline. Initially set for January 25, the new deadline now allows affected families to complete their resettlement before February 5.
Persistent snowstorms since Wednesday have left up to two feet of snow in several parts of the Tirah Valley, blocking the only road connecting Tirah to Bara and Peshawar. Hundreds of vehicles carrying men, women and children remain stranded along the mountainous road, particularly between Larbagh, Dwa Tui and Sandana. Freezing temperatures and road closures have left stranded residents facing severe hardship.
The military intervened to provide immediate relief, distributing warm blankets, food and medical supplies to various locations to help stranded families.
Member of the Provincial Assembly and Chairman of DEDC Khyber, Abdul Ghani Afridi, told The Express PK Press Club that the situation is critical with residents stuck in different areas of the valley due to heavy snowfall. He added that the provincial government and district administration are working tirelessly to provide assistance to every stranded vehicle.
Abdul Ghani Afridi also said that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is in constant touch and directed that all necessary facilities should be provided to the residents of Tirah in case of emergency.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid leaving their homes while snowfall continues and to wait for road clearance before attempting to travel.
Meanwhile, a vehicle carrying displaced people from Tirah had an accident near Dwa Tui last night, resulting in the death of two children and injuries to their parents. The injured were shifted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar for treatment.
