Heavy snowfall strands people, closes roads in northern Pakistan – Check details

ISLAMABAD: Heavy and continuous snowfall, along with extreme cold, has badly affected normal life in Pakistan’s northern areas, blocking roads, damaging power lines, and leaving hundreds stranded.

Several districts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan have received several feet of snow. This has caused road closures, power outages, landslides, and avalanches, prompting rescue operations by the Pakistan Army and local authorities.

In AJK, areas like Neelum Valley, Upper Neelum, Athmuqam, Sudhnoti, Bagh, and Hattian Bala have been hit hardest. Around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance with nearly 100 passengers, were trapped in snow in Haveli district. The Pakistan Army evacuated 32 passengers safely. Two bodies being transported in an ambulance were also recovered.

Muzaffarabad recorded snowfall after many years, intensifying the cold. In Neelum Valley, two houses collapsed, though no casualties were reported. Electricity has been cut in many areas due to fallen poles and snapped wires.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, snowfall continues in upper districts like Kaghan Valley, Dir Upper, Kumrat, and Lowari Tunnel. Tourist entry has been banned in some areas, and stranded individuals have been moved to temporary shelters.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy snow and landslides have blocked the Karakoram Highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Areas like Astore, Hunza, and Nagar are experiencing severe disruptions, with 5–6 feet of snow in some places. Avalanche at Musharraf Chowk has blocked the main road, and authorities are using heavy machinery to clear it.

Rescue agencies and the Pakistan Army remain on high alert, providing assistance and warning people to avoid travel. The Pakistan Meteorological Department says cold weather and snowfall are expected to continue in these regions over the next few days.