Murree hit by snowstorm and 5,000 tourists stranded

BATTAGRAM/BALAKOT:

A major rescue operation was underway in Murree after heavy snowfall and a blizzard left over 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded on Friday, prompting the district administration to impose a complete ban on the entry of more vehicles into the hill station, DNA reported.

Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra were present on the ground to supervise the operation, which aimed to clear internal roads and ensure safe evacuation of stranded tourists.

According to DNA, the deputy commissioner said the snowfall had reached about a foot and was continuing. He said snow plows, cranes and loaders were working around the clock to reopen major roads and restore mobility.

He stressed that the administration had mobilized all available resources to ensure public safety and provided continuous advice and assistance to tourists and residents. He called on visitors to remain patient, assuring them that all relevant services were fully active.

The DPO said visibility had dropped to near zero due to the intensity of the snowfall, creating life-threatening conditions. He said a complete ban had been imposed on the entry of other vehicles into Murree until the situation improved.

He said safety of tourists remained top priority amid the prevailing weather conditions and urged people to strictly avoid traveling to Murree. He added that stranded tourists should not panic as police and district administration were present on the ground, the agency added.

The DPO also advised people housed in vehicles to exercise caution when using heaters and ensure adequate ventilation to maintain oxygen levels. He said officers would remain deployed on the ground until all tourists were safely evacuated and normal conditions were restored, a police spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, heavy rain and snow over the past 24 hours in the Kaghan Valley, Murree and Hazara region have created a stark contrast between festive scenes for tourists and growing hardships for local residents, as extreme winter conditions have disrupted transport, electricity supply and daily life.

Fresh snowfall has transformed popular hill stations into postcard-worthy landscapes, attracting large numbers of visitors eager to experience the winter spectacle.

Shogran, Naran and Kaghan witnessed an increase in the number of tourists after heavy snowfall covered pine forests and mountain slopes. Visitors have described the landscape as enchanting, with snow-covered valleys providing a rare and memorable experience.

Many, however, struggled to cope with the bitter cold, making do with fire pits, hot drinks and warm clothing as temperatures plunged well below freezing.

The Kaghan Valley, Balakot and surrounding areas remained firmly in the grip of intense cold. Snowfall exceeding three feet in several locations led to the closure of many connecting roads, severely restricting travel.

Official figures show Naran received up to four feet of snow, while Kaghan and Shogran received around three feet of snow. With temperatures dropping sharply, Naran recorded minus 10 degrees Celsius, turning the area into what locals described as a “freezer”.

As tourists continue to flock in search of winter wonderlands, the same weather conditions pose serious challenges for residents. Power outages and disrupted communications networks have compounded the challenges, particularly in remote areas. The closure of the Kaghan Highway and several link roads has disrupted the supply of food, fuel and other essential goods, leaving many households struggling to meet their basic needs.

The district administration said snow clearance operations had started on Kaghan Highway and other major roads, urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and ensure vehicles were equipped with tire chains. Authorities warned that further snowfall was likely in upper areas and advised tourists to check weather and road conditions before traveling.

Similar conditions prevailed in and around Battagram, including the Chhattar plain and Allai Tehsil, where residents experienced record snowfall for the first time in eight years. Heavy snowfall, which began late Thursday night and continued through Friday, caused temperatures to drop sharply and made many connecting roads impassable.

Snowfall severely damaged power infrastructure in Battagram and Allai, plunging large parts of the district into darkness. Power poles and transmission lines collapsed in several places, while fallen trees brought down cables, leading to a total suspension of electricity supply. Attendance at government offices was minimal, shopping malls remained closed and residents were largely confined to their homes.

Elsewhere in the Hazara region, Abbottabad received its first significant snowfall in nine years, while Thandiyani recorded up to four feet of snow. Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Donga Gali, Changla Gali and other hill stations reported three to four feet of snow.

Heavy snow and rain, accompanied by strong winds, pushed temperatures below freezing, while power supply in parts of Abbottabad was temporarily disrupted.

Police and district authorities have established assistance and information centers on routes to tourist destinations, providing advice, food and support to visitors. Traffic police closed several roads, including those connecting Abbottabad to Murree and the Galiyat area, advising tourists to delay their travel until the snow is cleared and to avoid driving after sunset.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects snowfall to ease, but warned that extreme cold, slippery roads and unstable weather conditions will continue to pose risks, calling on citizens and tourists to exercise caution and prioritize safety.

With additional contribution from agencies.