Heavy snowfall continued to wreak havoc in the upper regions of the country, claiming three lives in an avalanche in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Neelum Valley while disrupting travel and communication in several areas.

According to officials, three young men lost their lives when an avalanche struck the mountainous Dodgai area of Neelum Valley. The search operation to recover their bodies, which was halted overnight due to extreme weather, resumed on Tuesday.

Akhtar Ayub, in-charge of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), stated that continuous snowfall in the valley has hampered rescue efforts. “We are facing immense difficulties due to the absence of mobile signals in the affected region,” he said.

Elsewhere in Neelum Valley, Grace Valley received over one foot of snow, while Sardari, Urang Kel, and Sargan Jagran also reported significant accumulation. The heavy snowfall has led to the closure of multiple connecting roads in Neelum and Leepa valleys, cutting off access to remote settlements.

Widespread disruptions

The severe weather has also impacted other regions, with life coming to a standstill in Skardu, where continuous snowfall since Monday night has forced authorities to issue a travel advisory. The Skardu-Islamabad flight was canceled on Tuesday due to poor visibility and adverse conditions.

In Swat’s Kalam Valley, snowfall entered its second day, blanketing the area in white. Over a foot of snow has been recorded in the past 48 hours, and the Meteorological Department has forecast continued snowfall for the next three days.

Mansehra and its surrounding areas, including tourist destinations such as Shogran, Kaghan, and Naran, are also witnessing intermittent snowfall. Shogran has received at least two inches, while Kaghan has seen over four inches in the past day.

Meanwhile, Murree and Galiyat have been experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, resulting in prolonged power outages. The Meteorological Department has warned of further rain and snowfall in these areas in the coming days.

Weather outlook

Rain continues to lash the federal capital and Rawalpindi, making the weather pleasant while adding to the scenic beauty of the twin cities. According to the Meteorological Department, wet conditions are expected to persist across most parts of the country until March 2.

Authorities have urged residents and travelers to exercise caution, especially in snow-affected regions where road closures and harsh weather conditions pose significant risks.