A strong western disturbance is set to affect the upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 21 to 24, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned. Authorities have issued alerts as heavy rainfall and snowfall may trigger flash floods in streams and tributaries connected to the Kabul River.
The districts at risk include Swat, Chitral, Buner, Shangla, Upper and Lower Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Kolai-Palas, Kohistan, and Azad Kashmir. Residents have been urged to remain cautious, and authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas closely.
Recent reports show heavy snowfall and rainfall in Chitral, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Patan Kohistan, and Dir. Temperatures in affected areas are Kalam -4°C, Parachinar -4°C, Upper Dir 0°C, Chitral 1°C, and Peshawar 5°C. Kalam recorded the heaviest snowfall yesterday.
Snowfall has been observed in Chitral Kalash Valleys, Lowari Tunnel, Madak Lasht, and Garam Chashma, among other areas. Lowari Tunnel received 5 inches of snow, Chitral Kalash Valleys (Bamburet) 3 inches, Madak Lasht 4 inches, and Beghusht 5 inches. Upper Chitral locations such as Shandur, Laspur, and Yarkhun also experienced snowfall. Authorities advised travelers using the Lowari Tunnel Road to carry snow chains, although traffic is running normally.
In Punjab, heavy rain and snowfall are expected in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas until January 23, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). 13 facilitation centers have been set up in Murree to assist tourists.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed instructed all departments to stay on high alert 24/7 and provide guidance to tourists to avoid accidents. Travelers are urged to check weather updates before visiting affected areas.
In other related news also read Snowfall Brings Cold Weather Back to Gilgit-Baltistan
The alert emphasizes the need for caution as snowfall and heavy rains affect northern and eastern regions of Pakistan, with authorities keeping a close watch on vulnerable districts.
