A cold wave has gripped Gilgit-Blatistan crippling everyday life.
According to the local Met office, temperatures on Thursday fell to minus 10 degrees in hilly areas, forcing people to remain indoors including traders who have begun to close down their shops before sunset. Frozen water pipes in most houses have caused them to burst disrupting water supply.
Other issues like persistent day-long power outages and shortage of fuel are compounding the problems of locals. Purchasing firewood has become impossible due to inflated rates; liquefied petroleum gas has already skyrocketed.
Locals have been forced to cut down fruit trees for firewood while the district administration silently observes the growing frustration of its people.
Hospitals and dispensaries are reportedly facing shortage of medicines due to a rising number of patients. According to a doctor, the number of patients to be hospitalised from pneumonia, cough, flu and asthma has risen, most of the affected being young children and the elderly.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2011.
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A nice to see GB seprate section great job E,T