Northern regions paralyzed by heavy snowfall: Roads blocked, tourists stranded

Life paralyzed in Azad Kashmir heavy snow cuts off valleys, temperatures below freezing

Northern regions paralyzed by heavy snowfall: Roads blocked, tourists stranded
Northern regions paralyzed by heavy snowfall: Roads blocked, tourists stranded

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a powerful cold wave has engulfed Pakistan, bringing icy temperatures, rain, and heavy snowfall, disrupting daily life across multiple regions.

LAHORE: Lahore wakes up to a wet, chilly morning as intermittent showers lash the city, drenching streets and cooling the air.

From bustling Gulberg to serene Garden Town, rainfall is putting the city in a wintry mood, promising more showers throughout the day.

CHAMAN: Chaman city and surrounding plains are wrapped in an intense cold spell. Following last night’s snowfall, temperatures in Chaman dropped to a bone-chilling -9°C, while nearby hilly areas recorded as low as -13°C.

Severe load-shedding persists, with power outages affecting all feeders for over 30 hours, leaving residents battling the freeze in darkness.

ABBOTTABAD: Abbottabad and its surrounding areas are witnessing continuous rainfall and snowfall, blanketing the region in white. Snow accumulation has reached 1–2 feet in the Galyat hills, while the Murree Road remains blocked.

Rural access roads are closed, and electricity supply has been disrupted since last night. PMD reports that snow and rain will continue into the evening, intensifying the winter chill.

SWAT: Intermittent snowfall continues in Kalam, where snow accumulation has exceeded two feet. Malam Jabba has received around three feet, while Mahodand, Utror, and Gabral recorded up to four feet.

Roads leading to Kalam and Malam Jabba are blocked at multiple points. Delayed clearance has created difficulties for tourists, and electricity supply in Malam Jabba has also been affected.

NORTH WAZIRISTAN: The second snowfall of the winter season has turned Razmak into a breathtaking white paradise. Snow-covered mountains, trees, and valleys offer stunning vistas, transforming the region into a serene winter haven.

MANSEHRA: Mansehra and surrounding areas have been hit by continuous rainfall and snowfall since late last night, pushing temperatures down and intensifying the cold.

Heavy snowfall in the upper mountainous regions has blocked multiple roads, including the Hazara Motorway from Achharian onward. Severe snow continues in Kaghan Valley, Naran Valley, Shogran, Saif-ul-Malook, Babusar Top, Konsh Valley, and Siran Valley.

The district administration has issued travel advisories, urging tourists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit, equipped with snow chains, and to carry warm clothing, food, and essentials.

Despite warnings, snow enthusiasts have flocked to Shogran Valley to experience the winter magic. Authorities emphasize strict caution to prevent accidents amid hazardous road conditions.

AZAD KASHMIR: Heavy snowfall has paralyzed life in parts of Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad and surrounding high-altitude areas.

Road links in Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley are suspended, while snowfall continues in Haveli, Lasdana Bagh, Rawalakot, Kotli, Sundhan Gali, and Ganga Choti. Temperatures have dropped below freezing, confining residents indoors.

QALAT: Following heavy snowfall, Qalat and its surrounding areas are experiencing record cold. Over the past 24 hours, temperatures plunged to -12°C, with snowfall reaching up to one foot, leaving streets deserted and normal life disrupted.