Heavy rain, snowfall disrupt life in Galiyat

Thandiyani, Nathiagali, Donga Gali, Ayubia and other hilly areas of Abbottabad received the heaviest snowfall of the ongoing winter season in the past few days, which resulted in temperatures below freezing point.

At least one to two feet snow has been reported in Thandiyani and the upper areas of Galiyat. Almost all link roads in Galiyat are closed while the main Abbottabad to Muree road was also blocked off due to heavy snowfall at different points. The snow was later cleared by the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA). The road going from Bara Gali to Nathia Gali was recently cleared as well.

The GDA employed 4 snow removing machines, which simultaneously worked on both sides of the road, with two of them moving upwards towards Ayubia and Barian, near Muree, and two moving downwards from Barian to Nathia Gali and Bara Gali. Eventually, all main link roads were cleared of snow with the help of snow removing machinery and the Rescue 1122 team.

The traffic police and staff of Rescue 1122 were present at information centres to help tourists. The police have also installed a blockade at Harno and Barian and have informed the tourists and local people about the weather situation and the necessary safety measures they should take.

Severe rain, snow hit Balakot, Kaghan

While snowfall continues in Kaghan Valley, Balakot experiences heavy rainfall. Kaghan valley and Shogran are both covered in up to one foot of snow, whereas Naran and surrounding areas received to three feet of snow.

The continuous snowfall and rain have effectively ended the period of drought, as natural springs have once again begun to overflow and previously dried up streams and rivers have been replenished with running water.