Heavy snowfall in the upper regions of the country continues to cause chaos, claiming the lives of three young men in an avalanche in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, while also halting travel and cutting off communication in multiple areas.
Officials confirmed that the three victims were caught in an avalanche that hit the Dodgai area of Neelum Valley. Rescue operations to recover their bodies were initially delayed due to severe weather conditions but resumed on Tuesday. Akhtar Ayub, head of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), explained that the heavy snowfall has severely hampered efforts, with the lack of mobile communication adding to the challenges.
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In addition to the tragic avalanche, Grace Valley received over a foot of snow, while areas like Sardari, Urang Kel, and Sargan Jagran reported significant accumulations. Road closures have isolated several remote settlements in Neelum and Leepa valleys, making access nearly impossible.
Widespread Disruptions Across Northern Pakistan
The heavy snow has paralyzed other parts of northern Pakistan as well. Skardu has been hit particularly hard, with authorities issuing a travel advisory after continuous snowfall since Monday night. A scheduled Skardu-Islamabad flight was canceled due to poor visibility and unsafe conditions.
Swat’s Kalam Valley, meanwhile, remains blanketed in snow after two days of continuous snowfall, recording over a foot in the last 48 hours. The Meteorological Department expects more snow in the coming days.
Tourist hotspots like Shogran, Kaghan, and Naran in Mansehra district have also experienced intermittent snowfall. Shogran received two inches of snow, while Kaghan recorded over four inches in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Murree and Galiyat have faced heavy rainfall, with accompanying thunderstorms causing widespread power outages.
Weather Outlook and Advisories
The wet spell continues in the federal capital and Rawalpindi, enhancing the scenic beauty of these areas. According to the Meteorological Department, the rain and snowfall are expected to persist across much of the country until March 2.
Authorities have issued warnings to residents and travelers in snow-affected areas, urging them to exercise caution, as road closures and harsh weather continue to pose serious risks.
