Murree, Galiyat on high alert in anticipation of snowfall

PDMA advises tourists to take precautions while travelling to hill stations

RAWALPINDI:

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday directed all the departments concerned to remain on high alert in Murree, Galiyat and surrounding areas and issued an advisory for the tourists, in anticipation of snowfall.

The district administration Murree has also put all the departments on high alert. The tourists are advised to adopt all possible precautionary measures as there are chances of stormy rain and snowfall in Murree, Galiyat and surrounding areas.

According to a PDMA representative, the chance of snow on Sunday (today) will be up to 70 per cent and there will be 75 per cent chance of rain and snow on Monday as well. Weather conditions are expected to remain uncertain from February 17 to 22.

The tourists visiting Murree are advised to adopt all possible precautionary measures and plan their programme keeping in mind the weather conditions. Murree administration communicated that it is ready to deal with any kind of situation. The representative shared that the departments concerned were using every possible forum to provide information to the tourists.

Tourists have been advised to check their vehicles thoroughly before embarking on trips, and keep all essential, emergency necessities in consideration of expected snowfall. In case of an emergency, tourists should call PDMA helpline 1129.

Read: Murree admin lifts snow emergency

Murree district administration control room numbers 051-9269015, 051-9269016 and 051-9269018 could also be used by the tourists for help and assistance. The PDMA spokesman further shared that a WhatsApp number, 0336-9804229 could also be contacted in case of an emergency.

Murree district administration after snowfall forecast by the Meteorological Department for the 'The Queen of the Hills’ – which is a title for the tourist city of Murree – on Saturday put all the departments concerned on high alert.

According to a Murree district administration spokesman, the MET office had forecasted rain and snowfall for Murree on Sunday and Monday. The tourists were urged to get weather updates before visiting Murree, he said adding, tire chains must be used in snowy areas.

The tourists have also been asked to follow traffic rules to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the roads. Additionally, there have been 13 tourist facilitation centres set up at various places to help and guide the tourists. In case of any emergency, Punjab emergency service, Rescue 1122 can be contacted in addition to the Tourism Helpline, 1421 and PDMA Helpline, 1129.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th 2024.