ABBOTTABAD: The district administration has imposed a four-day travel ban on tourists visiting the Galyat area due to expected rainfall and snowfall.
The authorities issued this decision because they wanted to prevent any potential accidents that might occur during the upcoming weather deterioration.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued an advisory warning the public about the severe weather conditions. The local administration of Abbottabad issued a warning about dangerous weather conditions which would affect tourist safety in Galyat until Wednesday. The administration has imposed travel ban enforcement which will be executed with complete strictness. The police department has received orders to block tourist access at checkpoints while returning them to their starting points. According to law enforcement, no tourist will be allowed to enter Galyat during the restriction period.
The district administration has reported that weather conditions developed from mild to severe because of recent weather patterns which brought both rain and snow. The situation creates risks which include slippery roads and landslides and traffic disruptions. The authorities prioritize tourist safety above all other concerns.
The officials requested that tourists work with the administration while avoiding any travel that is not necessary. The public has been assured that weather conditions will be monitored with ongoing observation and travel ban updates will be shared once the situation shows improvement.
Heavy rain, snowfall forecast PDMA issues advisory to relevant authorities
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecasted more rain and snowfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, from January 25 to 27. An advisory has been issued to all relevant departments to ensure all necessary measures.
According to the PDMA, mountainous areas of the province are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, while several plain districts, including the provincial capital, are expected to experience rainfall. The authority has warned that this spell of bad weather could lead to road closures, slippery conditions, landslides, and avalanches in high-altitude regions.
The PDMA has directed district administrations, rescue services, and other concerned departments to remain on high alert, keep machinery and emergency equipment ready, and ensure timely clearance of snow and debris from roads.
The authority has also advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period, especially towards hilly and mountainous areas. Travelers are urged to check road and weather conditions before starting their journeys.
The PDMA is closely monitoring the situation and will coordinate with relevant agencies to respond promptly to any emergencies. Citizens are encouraged to follow official advisories and report emergencies to local authorities. Additionally, the PDMA advises the public to take precautionary measures and refrain from unnecessary travel.
