Northern Pakistan has come to a standstill as severe snowfall and bitter cold affect daily life.
Hundreds of residents and tourists are stranded, major highways are closed, and the Pakistan Army has launched extensive rescue operations in the most affected areas.
Continuous snowfall has hit districts including Neelum Valley, Upper Neelum, Ath Muqam, Sidhnoti, Bagh, and Hattian Bala, leaving roads impassable and power lines down.
In Haveli district, 25 vehicles—including an ambulance—were trapped in snow, carrying around 100 passengers. The Pakistan Army rescued 32 people and recovered two bodies from the ambulance, earning appreciation for their timely intervention.
Muzaffarabad recorded snowfall for the first time in years, while in Neelum Valley, three houses collapsed due to heavy snow. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.
Electricity, communication disruptions
The electricity network has been severely affected across Azad Kashmir, with fallen poles and broken wires leaving multiple areas without power for over 24 hours. Authorities have said restoration work will begin once weather conditions improve.
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Landslides and avalanches have further blocked roads, adding to the challenges faced by stranded residents.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Roads blocked
Intermittent snowfall continues across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Roads in Kaghan Valley, Dirbala, Kumrat, and the Lowari Tunnel have been closed, and tourist entry has been banned to prevent accidents.
In Malakand, snowfall after many years caused trees to fall on roads, disrupting traffic. Rescue operations are ongoing in Khyber and Shangla districts, where stranded residents and tourists have been shifted to temporary shelters.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Karakoram highway closed
Heavy snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan has disrupted life along the Karakoram Highway, with landslides stranding hundreds of passenger and freight vehicles in Chilas and Upper Kohistan.
In Astore district, 5–6 feet of snow fell in areas like Rama Meadows, Deosai, Nanga Parbat, and Barzal Top. An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked the road, and heavy machinery has been called in for clearance.
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Roads in Hunza and Nagar remain closed, while earthquake victims living in tents in the Chipursan Valley face harsh conditions. Relief agencies are exploring alternative routes and air supply drops to ensure essentials reach affected communities.
Authorities on high alert
The Pakistan Army, district administrations, NDMA, and PDMA are on high alert. Citizens and tourists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and rescue teams continue to evacuate those stranded by the snow.
Officials have warned that heavy snowfall and severe cold will continue in the coming days, with the possibility of further avalanches and road closures.
