Power outages add to woes of hilly area residents

Heavy snowfall restricts movement in Kaghan, Balakot snowfall

MURREE/ BALAKOT:

People of Kaghan Valley and Balakot are facing severe problems due to frequent power outages as snowfall in the valley has been continuing for the last two days.

Their movement is also greatly restricted because of persistent snowfall.

So far, up to one foot of snow has fallen in Shogran, while about one and a half feet of snow has fallen in Naran and adjoining valleys. It also rained in Balakot and its environs on Wednesday, as snowfall in the mountains continued for another day.

However, the beautiful snow-capped peaks of Shogran, and the bellowing winds through the valley make it a hotspot for eager tourists. With the onset of winter, the flow of tourists from all over the country has also increased. Tourists were seen enjoying the cold weather by throwing snowballs at each other, skating, and horseback riding. Tourists visiting Shogran said that they were elated to be there.

During the current round of snowfall in the Kaghan Valley, tourists can only go up to Shogran. These travellers cannot access the Kaghan valley and other adjoining areas until next June.

Heavy snowfall continues

Heavy snowfall has engulfed Murree for a second consecutive day. Snow-loving tourists from across the country have thronged the district. Around 80,000 vehicles have entered the hill station so far, where over two feet of snow has fallen to date.

Murree District Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Traffic) said, "The pace of traffic is slow, but there has been no jam until now. We have shared the basic traffic advisory rules and requested people to cooperate with us.”

The DSP added, “A large number of tourists are expected on the weekend as winter holidays in schools across 12 districts, including Rawalpindi commenced from January 3.” “Last weekend, we received 60,000 to 70,000 tourists and this coming weekend we are prepared to anticipate an even larger number." he added.

Meanwhile, approximately three feet of snow has fallen in nearby Galyat, where it still continues to fall. The power system has also been severely affected due to the extreme weather. The supply of electricity has been suspended in most rural areas, and several urban areas as well. This has caused severe hardship to the locals.

However, for tourists arriving in Murree, the current circumstances are ideal as they can enjoy the snowy weather and beautiful scenery. They can be seen enjoying hot tea, coffee, and soup to escape the cold, while also shopping for warm clothes and dried fruits. Hotels and guest houses are also attracting handsome business as a result.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2022.