ABBOTTABAD: A sudden fire erupted across the forests of Kandla, Ayubiya, Tohidabad, Donga Gali and Nathia Gali popular tourist destinations in the Galiyat region engulfing vast stretches of woodland.
Hundreds of mature trees and thousands of saplings have reportedly been reduced to ashes. while posing a serious threat to wildlife habitats in the area.
District administration officials said the blaze had endangered wildlife habitats, prompting emergency response measures.
Rescue teams and fire brigades from across the Hazara division have been called in to assist in firefighting efforts.
The district administration has also formally requested two helicopters from the provincial government and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to support aerial firefighting and monitoring operations.
Teams from Rescue 1122, the police, and the district administration are currently present at the affected sites and are working to bring the situation under control.
Authorities said efforts were under way to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas and tourist facilities.
Further updates are expected as firefighting operations continue.
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