Heavy Snowfall Wreaks Havoc in Northern Pakistan, Claims three Lives & Disrupts Travel

ISLAMABAD: Severe weather conditions continue to grip northern Pakistan as heavy snowfall wreaks havoc in the upper regions of the country. Three lives were tragically lost in an avalanche in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, while several areas are facing severe disruptions to travel and communication.

Fatal Avalanche in Neelum Valley

According to officials, three young men lost their lives when an avalanche struck the Dodgai area in Neelum Valley. The search and rescue operation to recover the bodies of the victims, which was initially halted due to extreme weather, resumed on Tuesday. Akhtar Ayub, the head of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), reported that continuous snowfall in the area is complicating rescue efforts. “We are facing immense challenges due to the absence of mobile signals in the affected region,” Ayub said.

Widespread Snowfall and Disruptions

Elsewhere in Neelum Valley, Grace Valley has received over a foot of snow, while areas like Sardari, Urang Kel, and Sargan Jagran are also experiencing significant snow accumulation. The heavy snowfall has led to the closure of roads in Neelum and Leepa valleys, leaving remote settlements isolated and inaccessible.

The situation is no better in other affected regions. Skardu has been blanketed by continuous snowfall since Monday night, forcing authorities to issue a travel advisory. The adverse weather conditions caused the cancellation of the Skardu-Islamabad flight on Tuesday due to poor visibility.

Swat’s Kalam Valley is also experiencing its second day of heavy snowfall, with over a foot of snow recorded in the past 48 hours. The Meteorological Department has warned that snowfall is expected to continue for the next three days.

Snowfall Continues in Mansehra, Murree, and Galiyat

Mansehra and its surrounding areas, including popular tourist spots such as Shogran, Kaghan, and Naran, have been witnessing intermittent snowfall. Shogran has received at least two inches of snow, while Kaghan has seen over four inches in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Murree and Galiyat are experiencing heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, which have caused prolonged power outages. The Meteorological Department has issued further warnings of rain and snowfall in these areas over the coming days.

Weather Outlook and Safety Measures

In the federal capital and Rawalpindi, continuous rain is enhancing the beauty of the twin cities, though it has contributed to challenging travel conditions. According to the Meteorological Department, wet conditions will persist across much of the country until March 2.

Read more: Weather Department Predicts Heavy Rain and Snowfall

Authorities have urged residents and travelers to exercise extreme caution, especially in snow-affected regions where road closures and harsh weather conditions are creating significant risks. Emergency services are on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation closely.

The ongoing severe weather underscores the need for preparedness, as the country braces for further snow and rainfall in the coming days.