Rain, snow herald early winters in Hazara

Downpour causes flooding, power outages; Babusar Top receives one foot of snow

BALAKOT:

Heavy rain continued to lash various parts of the Hazara Division on Monday, while snowfall at Babusar Top turned the weather markedly colder, creating difficulties for both travellers and local residents. Rainfall was recorded in Balakot and its surrounding areas, while snowfall persisted over the mountains of the Kaghan Valley.

According to reports, torrential rain began late on Sunday night and persisted throughout the day in Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Battagram and adjoining areas.

The downpour caused waterlogging on main roads and in low-lying areas, disrupting daily activities and vehicular movement. Power outages were also reported in several parts of Abbottabad and Mansehra due to tripping and technical faults triggered by the rain.

Up to one foot of snow was reported at Babusar Top, resulting in the suspension of traffic along the Babusar Highway. More than four inches of snow fell at popular tourist destinations in the Kaghan Valley, including Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Battakundi and Jalkhad, signalling the onset of the winter season in the region. Chilly winds have also begun sweeping across Balakot.

Babusar Top and its surrounding high-altitude areas received snowfall, blanketing the mountain peaks in white. The sharp drop in temperature prompted residents and tourists to bring out warm clothing earlier than usual.

Traffic on the Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad (MNJ) Road slowed considerably due to slippery conditions, while vehicles heading towards Babusar Top encountered severe difficulties. The local administration and traffic police advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel to upper areas and to use snow chains where required.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast continued rain and snowfall across parts of the Hazara Division over the next 24 hours, warning of possible landslides in mountainous areas and urging tourists to exercise caution.

The ongoing cold and wet spell has not only disrupted routine life but also marked the onset of an early winter across the region, bringing both scenic beauty and fresh challenges for the residents of northern Hazara.

Meanwhile, a large number of tourists eager to witness the snowfall have flocked to Shogran and the Kaghan Valley, where they are enjoying the enchanting winter landscapes.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP