KOHISTAN: Rain and snowfall continue for the second consecutive day in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), which results closure of Karakoram Highway in Kohistan and Diamer due to snowfall and landslides.
The highway is completely closed due to snowfall and landslides near Chilas, Dilgir, Tenggar Lotar and Dasu in Upper Kohistan. There are also reports of a section of the road sinking near Dasu Bypass. Hundreds of vehicles, including tourist buses and freight trucks going from Rawalpindi to Gilgit and from Gilgit to Islamabad, are stranded on both sides due to the closure of the highway. National Highway Authority (NHA) and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) personnel are present in the affected areas with heavy machinery. However, the rain is hampering the restoration work.
Passengers have been strongly advised to postpone their journeys till the highway is restored. The district administrations of Kohistan and Diamer have appealed to passengers to avoid travelling in bad weather as the risk of landslides is still there. The Mansehra-Naran-Chilas Road (Babusar Pass) is already closed for all types of traffic due to heavy snowfall. Due to the rains, reports of small-scale landslides have been received at various places on this important highway, which is reducing the flow of traffic.
Meanwhile, intermittent rains continue for the second day in Abbottabad city and its surroundings under the influence of westerly winds, due to which not only the intensity of cold has increased, but there are also clear chances of snowfall at higher places. The power supply system in different areas of Abbottabad has been severely affected due to continuous rains. Due to technical malfunctions and feeder trips, many rural and urban areas are facing load shedding, which is causing difficulties to the citizens. According to the Meteorological Department, snowfall is likely in the upper areas of Nathia Gali, Donga Gali, Changla Gali and Ayubia during the next 24 to 48 hours.
Director General of Galyat Development Authority (GDA) Shahrukh Ali said that advisory for tourists visiting Galyat in view of the weather conditions. He has urged tourists to take the following precautions before setting off on their journey.To avoid slipping in snowy areas, it is necessary to put chains on the tires of vehicles, while in case of need to keep the vehicle warm during traffic jams or snowfall, carry extra fuel in your vehicles.
DG Galyat said that GDA staff and heavy machinery are on high alert. Snow blowers and excavators have been deployed at various locations to remove snow from the roads so that there is no disruption to the movement of tourists. In case of any emergency, tourists can contact the GDA.
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