Record snowfall paralyses Naran, Kaghan

Roads remain closed, electricity out for five days and authorities warn of landslides

BALAKOT:

Naran and Kaghan have experienced record-breaking snowfall, paralysing daily life, blocking roads, and cutting electricity supply for the past five days, causing severe difficulties for residents. The recent heavy snowfall has not only transformed the region into a picturesque winter landscape but also created major challenges for local communities.

In Naran and surrounding areas, snow has accumulated up to seven feet, while in Shogran, Kaghan, and nearby upper valleys, snow depths have reached five feet. Such heavy snowfall has not been seen in several years and has intensified the harsh winter conditions.

The prolonged power outage and disruption of communication networks have added to residents' woes. Reports indicate fallen power lines and poles due to the heavy snow, making restoration efforts difficult.

Authorities, citing the risks of heavy snowfall and landslides, have closed the Kaghan Road beyond Mahandri to all traffic. Similarly, roads leading to the popular tourist destination Shogran have been temporarily closed to prevent any potential accidents.

According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall and snowfall are expected to continue today. Authorities have advised tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from visiting upper areas until weather conditions improve.

Fresh wave of rain, snow freezes life in Battagram

A fresh wave of heavy snowfall hit Battagram district and the adjoining areas of Chhatar Plain, Alaai and Shangla last night, continuing till Tuesday evening.

Citizens' lives were badly affected as the plains lay covered under four feet of snow, while routes on the upper mountainous areas are also blocked by two feet of snow. A large number of citizens including shopkeepers from Battagram, Torghar, Kohistan and Alaai became stranded at Shangla Top.

All connecting roads have been closed in Battagram and different parts of Alaai, which has led to residents fearing food shortage in the area. The Karakoram Highway and the the Expressway (CPEC) from Battagram to Achhariyan has also been closed for traffic at Neeli Shang, Sharkol and Chhatar.

Electricity in the area has been completely out for the past five days, and there have been reports of further damage to power transmission lines due to continuous snowfall. The intensity of the cold has increased, and the temperature has dropped below freezing point, reaching as low as negative four degrees Celsius.

On the instructions of Battagram Deputy Commissioner Ishtiaq Khan, relief teams were mobilised early in the morning. Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioner Salim Khan and Additional Assistant Commissioners were themselves supervising the relief activities. Teams at different places are still busy clearing snow from the roads and highway.

People in the district are effectively under lockdown as they sit trapped in their homes waiting for the snow to subside. According to the Meteorological Department, the series of rain and snowfall is likely to stop sometime late in the night.