Rain, snowfall bring chill to Kaghan Valley

Authorities have restricted access to higher areas due to the weather

BALAKOT:

Rain is ongoing in Balakot and surrounding areas, while snowfall continues in Kaghan Valley. Up to six inches of snow has been recorded in Batakundi, Jalkhad, and Lake Saiful Malook, with Babusar Top receiving up to a foot of snow.

The Kaghan Highway is open to traffic up to Batakundi, but authorities have restricted access beyond this point due to the ongoing snowfall. With temperatures dropping below freezing in many areas, residents and visitors in both Balakot and Kaghan Valley are turning to warm clothing to cope with the cold.

The local administration has urged tourists heading to Naran and nearby valleys to pack accordingly. In addition, the Babusar-Naran Highway has been closed due to the snowfall. Travelers heading to Gilgit are advised to take the Karakoram Highway instead.

Meanwhile, much awaited rain brought relief to the citizens of Abbottabad and surrounding areas of Galiyat. The first rain of the winter season started Monday morning and continued intermittently till the evening.

Doctors and Agri experts declared the delayed rain as a "gift of Almighty Allah" which is expected to end the viral disease of throat infection and dry cough and will also be helpful for the Agri sector as it can improve water levels.

The temperature dropped after the rain with cold breezy winds bringing chilling the city and prompting people to take out their warmer clothes from trunks and cupboards.