As heavy rain and snowfall continue to lash the Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, residents grapple with the disruptive effects on daily life and infrastructure.
Neelum Valley's areas of Athmaqam, Keran, Upper Neelum, Sharda and Kel witnessed relentless rain, while Upper Gurez, Halmat, Taobat, Shounter, and Arang Kel saw snowfall blanketing the mountain peaks. However, the inclement weather triggered landslides, blocking communication roads, including the Neelum highway, at several points, hampering travel and connectivity for locals and tourists alike.
Adding to the woes, electricity supply has been disrupted since 10pm due to tripping of several feeders, plunging communities into darkness. Stormy rains and snowfall in the valley further compounded the situation, disrupting communication systems and impacting daily routines.
In response to the hazardous conditions posed by avalanches and landslides, Raja Arif Mehmood, deputy commissioner of Neelum, urged citizens to adhere to precautionary instructions for their safety.
"Once the rain and snow subside, infrastructure maintenance operations will commence," he assured, emphasizing the need for swift action to restore normalcy in the region.
Meanwhile, in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas, including Neelam Valley and Leepa Valley, heavy rain persisted for the third consecutive day, accompanied by snowfall on the high mountains. The severity of the cold escalated as residents braved the elements.
The downpour raised concerns about rising water levels in rivers and canals, posing risks of flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Despite the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions, residents remain resilient, enduring the harsh conditions while authorities work to mitigate the impact and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
As the rain and snowfall persist, residents and authorities in Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad remain vigilant, navigating through the challenges posed by nature's fury with resilience and determination.
