Roads remain closed, power cut for five days and authorities warn of landslides
Workers in Rawalpindi gather around a fire to warm themselves in rainy weather while waiting for customers to hire them for daily paid work to support their families. Photo: ONLINE
BALACOT:
Naran and Kaghan have experienced record snowfall, paralyzing daily life, blocking roads and cutting electricity supplies over the past five days, causing severe hardship to residents. The recent heavy snowfall has not only transformed the region into a picturesque winter wonderland, but has also created major challenges for local communities.
In Naran and surrounding areas, snow accumulated up to seven feet, while in Shogran, Kaghan and nearby high valleys, snow depth reached five feet. Such heavy snowfall has not been observed for several years and has intensified the harsh winter conditions.
The prolonged power outage and disruption of communication networks have added to the woes of residents. Reports indicate power lines and poles have fallen due to heavy snowfall, making restoration efforts difficult.
The authorities, citing the risk of heavy snowfall and landslides, closed the Kaghan road beyond Mahandri to all traffic. Similarly, roads leading to the popular tourist destination Shogran were temporarily closed to avoid any potential accidents.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall and snowfall are expected to continue today. Authorities have advised tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from visiting high-altitude areas until weather conditions improve.
New wave of rain and snow freezes life in Battagram
A fresh round of heavy snowfall lashed Battagram district and adjoining areas of Chhatar Plain, Alaai and Shangla last night, continuing till Tuesday evening.
The lives of citizens were severely affected as the plains were covered with four feet of snow, while the roads in the upper mountainous areas are also blocked by two feet of snow. A large number of citizens, including traders from Battagram, Torghar, Kohistan and Alaai, were left stranded in Shangla Top.
All connecting roads were closed in Battagram and different parts of Alaai, leading to fears among residents of food shortage in the area. The Karakoram Highway and the Battagram-Achhariyan Expressway (CPEC) were also closed to traffic at Neeli Shang, Sharkol and Chhatar.
Power to the area has been completely out for the past five days and additional damage to power transmission lines has been reported due to continued snowfall. The intensity of the cold increased and the temperature fell below freezing, reaching minus four degrees Celsius.
On the instructions of Battagram Deputy Commissioner Ishtiaq Khan, rescue teams were mobilized early in the morning. Additional Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Commissioner Salim Khan and Additional Deputy Commissioners were themselves supervising the relief activities. Crews at different locations are still busy clearing snow from the roads and highway.
Neighborhood residents are effectively confined as they remain stuck in their homes waiting for the snow to disappear. According to the Meteorological Department, the series of rains and snowfall is expected to end late tonight.
