Workers push a stuck car onto a snow-covered road in Abbottabad after the area received its first snowfall of the season. Photo: PPI
ABBOTTABAD:
A fresh round of snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rains, blanketed Murree, Abbottabad and the Galiyat region early on Tuesday, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and prompting authorities to issue travel advisories, while assuring tourists of preparedness and road clearance operations.
In Murree, up to four inches of snow was recorded late overnight, with light snowfall later changing to intermittent rain.
Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Mohammad Raza Tanveer Sapra said all roads in the hill station remained open and traffic was moving normally.
He said temperatures had fallen to around 3C, but no roads were blocked and no vehicles were stranded.
The administration and traffic police reacted quickly to clear the roads and ensure smooth travel.
Tourists were advised to remain cautious due to fog and slippery conditions, use fog lights, avoid speeding and overtaking and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Emergency assistance remains available via helpline 15 and the traffic police.
Meanwhile, a second wave of snowfall coupled with continuous rains in Thandiyani, Nathiagali, Ayubia and other hilly areas of Galiyat pushed temperatures below the freezing point.
Snow accumulation of six to nine inches was reported in upper areas, leading the district administration to deploy heavy machinery from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Road Authority, Galiyat Development Authority and Communications and Works Department to clear snow and restore road access.
As a precautionary measure, the Abbottabad-Murree road via Nathiagali has been closed for all traffic after 5 p.m., while the Abbottabad-Nathiagali road remains open.
The Barian-Nathiagali road was also closed in Tohidabad and nearby areas due to the risk of landslides and avalanches.
The road rehabilitation works are underway under the supervision of the Abbottabad administration, with the additional deputy commissioner present in the area to supervise the operations.
Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety guidelines.
In case of emergency, citizens can contact the Abbottabad district control room at 0992-9310553 or the Galiyat Development Authority control room at Nathiagali.
