Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across Northern Pakistan, Avalanche Claims Nine Lives in Chitral
A devastating winter storm has brought widespread disruption to northern Pakistan, resulting in tragic loss of life and stranding thousands of tourists. In a heartbreaking incident, an avalanche struck a house in the Arandu region of Lower Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday, killing nine members of the same family. Rescue teams, including police and Chitral scouts, worked tirelessly to evacuate dozens of residents and tourists, though efforts were hampered by heavy snowfall and the area's remote location.
Tourists Stranded as Authorities Shut Down Murree Expressway
In Murree, the picturesque hill station turned into a scene of chaos as heavy snowfall and severe snowstorms left over 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded. The district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra, launched a large-scale rescue operation. Snowploughs, cranes, and loaders worked round the clock to clear internal roads and ensure the safe evacuation of stranded tourists. Authorities have closed the Murree Expressway and banned the entry of more vehicles to prevent further congestion.
PMD Issues Fresh Danger Warning for Widespread Weather System
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh danger warning, predicting that a new westerly weather system will enter western parts of the country on Sunday night. This system is expected to grip upper regions by Monday, bringing widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall to large parts of Pakistan through Tuesday. The PMD warned that heavy snowfall may lead to road closures, slippery conditions, and risks of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas, including Naran, Kaghan, and parts of northern Balochistan.
Snowstorm Hits Balochistan, Disrupting Daily Life
A severe snowstorm with strong winds hit several districts in southwestern Balochistan province, including Quetta, Kalat, Chaman, Killa Saifullah, Nushki, and Loralai. Temperatures dropped to as low as –9°C, disrupting daily life and causing power outages. The PMD forecasts that under the influence of this system, rain-wind and thunderstorms with snowfall are expected in most parts of Balochistan from Sunday night and Monday.
Rescue Operations Continue Amidst Challenging Conditions
Rescue teams across affected regions have been working non-stop to assist stranded individuals. In Tirah Valley, Rescue 1122 teams successfully rescued 55 people traveling in around 20 vehicles who were stranded due to severe weather conditions. Despite slippery roads and heavy snowfall causing significant challenges, rescue personnel from Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, and Nowshera continued their relief activities to ensure the safety of travelers.
Additional Incidents Highlight Storm's Impact
The storm's impact extended beyond avalanches and stranded vehicles. In Khyber district, at least five individuals sustained serious injuries when the roof of a mud-built house collapsed following heavy rainfall. This incident underscores the broader dangers posed by the severe weather conditions affecting the region.
Authorities Urge Caution and Vigilance
All concerned authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situations during the forecast period. Tourists are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel, as daytime temperatures are likely to drop across many regions. The public is encouraged to follow official social media accounts for the latest traffic updates and safety information.
