Heavy snowfall paralyses life in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: Although snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan brings respite and a sigh of relief to residents, enhancing the beauty of the majestic and pristine mountainous landscape, unfortunately, it also puts a freeze on daily life in the region.

The picture perfect snow-draped areas might be an attraction for tourists, but for local people, winter is a test of survival skills.

Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan brave sub-zero temperatures with no gas or electricity for heating, and only wood and coal available as fuel, which also must be managed frugally because all the roads are shut and supplies are limited.

“It is like I am living inside a deep freezer,” said Ashiq Khan who has come from Islamabad to visit his family in Gilgit. “There is no gas, electricity or even water in the homes. Everything is frozen,” said Ashiq who finds it difficult to live in his birthplace after spending few years in Islamabad. On Sunday, the mercury dipped to minus 14 degree centigrade in Skardu and Ghanche valleys, and minus eight degrees in Gilgit.

Extreme weather has compelled residents to stay indoors. According to locals, the drop in temperature makes life harder for them. Even washing, bathing and cooking become a challenge with water frozen in pipes and limited fuel for heating. Communications remain suspended, with no letup in snowfall. The heaviest snowfall of the season so far was recorded in Astore Valley.

Snowy silver linings

The chill brings its own thrill. With lakes frozen across G-B, people in Ghizer enjoy football tournament on Khalti Lake every year. Participation is usually limited to local teams from Ghizer in the tournament dotted with slips and bruises and tons of joys and laughter. The lake in Gupis Valley is between 30 and 70 feet deep at
most points.

Frozen lakes also attract a small trekking community that travels from plains across the mountains to savour the hikes over the ice.

Phundar and Karambar lakes, located in the same valley, have also frozen over. In Hunza, Attabad Lake was frozen as well. People enjoyed going for walks on the ice.

A couple of traffic accidents were reported in the region due to slippery roads, but no loss of life was reported.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2017.