Heavy snowfall paralyzes life in northern areas, two Killed, dozens Injured

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Severe snowfall and heavy rain across Pakistan’s upper regions have paralyzed daily life, blocked key roads, and stranded tourists, while at least two people lost their lives and dozens were injured in weather-related incidents.

Authorities have warned that rain and snowfall are likely to continue in several areas today.

According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), intermittent snowfall has continued in Murree since last night, with up to 12 inches of snow recorded so far. Snowfall is ongoing, and further heavy snowfall and rain are expected over the next 24 hours. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution.

Northern parts of Balochistan are experiencing a severe snowstorm, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded on the Quetta–Ziarat highway. More than 100 tourists were trapped in vehicles in and around Chaman, while traffic on the N-50 highway was disrupted at multiple points, suspending inter-provincial travel.

Due to slippery conditions, nine separate accidents occurred on the N-50, injuring 27 people. In another incident near Shelabagh, vehicles collided due to ice, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries. Temperatures at Khojak Top dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius, intensifying the cold. Quetta also recorded its first snowfall of the winter, worsening urban difficulties.

Extreme cold caused water pipelines to freeze in Ziarat, Chaman, Quetta, Qalat, Zhob and Qila Saifullah, while gas shortages added to residents’ hardships.

Heavy snowfall was reported in Mansehra, Upper Galiyat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Kalam, Orakzai, Chitral and Khyber districts. In Tirah Valley, nearly 100 vehicles were stranded, and 35 people were shifted to safer locations.

Power supply was disrupted in Shangla following snowfall after nearly 20 years, while several link roads in Chitral were closed. Naran recorded six inches of snow, and Shogran received around 1.5 inches, attracting tourists despite warnings.

In South Waziristan, snowfall in Angoor Adda, Nezi Narai and Khamrang halted routine life, while residents in North Waziristan’s Miranshah and Mir Ali celebrated snowfall after 12 years.

Up to four feet of snow was recorded in Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Jhanspur and Changla Gali, while Ayubia received three feet. Rescue 1122, district administration, police and the Galiyat Development Authority remain on high alert, with leaves canceled. Snow-clearing operations using heavy machinery are underway, and roads are expected to reopen soon.

Upper areas of Astore received two to three feet of snow, cutting off land routes and confining residents indoors. Snowfall was also reported in Hunza and Nagar, increasing difficulties in Chipurson. Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, Darel and Tangir experienced intense cold, with several roads blocked.

Rain and intermittent snowfall continued in Azad Kashmir’s upper areas. Murree Expressway was partially closed due to snowfall. Sharda recorded its first snowfall of the year, while Kel received three feet and areas including Helmat Grays Valley and Karimabad Nikarhan recorded up to four feet. Power lines were damaged, affecting communication networks, and two-day school holidays were announced.

Rescue 1122 teams continued operations in Tirah Valley, freeing people and vehicles trapped in snow. Around 55 people traveling in 20 vehicles were rescued from Sandana area. In another incident in Bara’s Batta Tal area, part of a house collapsed due to rain, trapping five people, all of whom were safely rescued and provided medical assistance.

Rain was recorded in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Thatta, while several cities in Punjab, including Lahore, experienced rainfall, with 2.8 mm recorded on average. Rain also fell in Faisalabad, Sargodha, Vehari, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar. Heavy rain in Haripur caused urban flooding, turning streets into ponds.

Power feeders tripped in multiple cities nationwide, disrupting electricity and communication systems.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rain and severe snowfall may further disrupt life in upper regions, while rain is expected in plains over the next 24 hours. There is a risk of road blockages, landslides, flash flooding and avalanches in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Tourists and residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious.