Schools closed for two days due to bad weather

MUZAFFARABAD: Authorities have announced a two-day closure of schools in Azad Kashmir due to heavy snowfall. The decision was taken to protect the safety of students and teachers.

All schools will remain closed on Friday and Saturday (January 23 and 24). Since Sunday is already a regular holiday, students will enjoy a long weekend. Schools are expected to reopen on Monday, January 26.

Several areas of Azad Kashmir have received rain, while higher regions such as Hattian Bala, Chonari, Chakothi, Leepa Valley, Ganga Choti, Arang Kel, and Sargan Valley continue to experience snowfall. The weather has become much colder, with snow falling on and off.

Heavy snowfall has badly affected daily life in many northern parts of Pakistan. Roads have been blocked in several areas, leaving tourists stranded and cutting off many regions. Sadly, two people lost their lives in separate weather-related accidents.

In northern Balochistan, snowstorms are continuing. Many vehicles are stuck on the Quetta–Ziarat highway, and more than 100 tourists are reported to be stranded in the Chaman area. Traffic on the N-50 highway, including areas like Kan Mehtarzai, Khanozai, and Muslim Bagh, has been badly affected. Due to slippery roads, nine accidents occurred on the N-50, injuring 27 people.

In the Tirah Valley, rain and snowfall have trapped around 100 vehicles, and rescue teams are working to help people. At Kojak Top on the Quetta–Karachi highway, strong Siberian winds dropped the temperature to minus 12°C. Several vehicles collided near Shilabagh, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries. Quetta also received its first snowfall of the season.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy snowfall is being reported in upper areas such as Mansehra, Galiyat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Kalam, Orakzai, Chitral, and Khyber. In the Khyber District, nearly 100 vehicles are stranded in different parts of the Tirah Valley, though 35 people have been safely moved to safer locations.

Snowfall has also disrupted electricity in Shangla, while in Chitral, several roads are blocked, making travel difficult. Popular tourist spots like Naran and Shogran have received fresh snow, with 6 inches in Naran and 1.5 inches in Shogran, attracting many visitors.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, upper areas of Astor have received 2 to 3 feet of snow, cutting off all land routes and forcing residents to stay indoors. Snowfall in Hunza and Nagar has also caused problems. In the earthquake-affected Chipursan area, continued snowfall has made life even harder for people living in tents.

Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and take safety precautions during the severe weather.

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