A powerful wave of heavy snowfall has brought life to a standstill across northern Pakistan, triggering a full-scale emergency response. Several feet of snow have blanketed regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, leaving roads blocked, power systems damaged, and hundreds of people stranded.
As the cold spell intensifies, the Pakistan Army and local authorities have launched urgent rescue and relief operations.
Severe Snowfall Paralyzes Daily Life
Continuous snowfall and freezing temperatures have disrupted normal life across multiple districts.
Key Impacts:
- Major highways and link roads completely blocked
- Power outages lasting over 24 hours
- Landslides and avalanches reported
- Tourists and locals stranded in remote areas
Authorities have issued travel advisories, urging people to avoid unnecessary movement due to dangerous conditions.
AJK Worst Hit: Neelum Valley Cut Off
In Neelum Valley and surrounding areas like Athmuqam, Bagh, and Hattian Bala, heavy snowfall has completely cut off access routes.
- Several feet of snow accumulated overnight
- Roads to upper مناطق (areas) fully blocked
- Two houses collapsed due to snow load
In Haveli district, around 100 people were trapped in 25 vehicles, including women and children. The Pakistan Army successfully rescued dozens despite harsh weather conditions.
Power Crisis Deepens in Snow-Affected Areas
Heavy snowfall and strong winds have severely damaged infrastructure:
- Electricity poles collapsed
- Transmission lines snapped
- Power supply suspended for over a day
Restoration efforts are delayed due to ongoing snowfall, worsening the crisis for residents.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Tourist Routes Shut Down
In Kaghan Valley and nearby مناطق, authorities have taken strict measures.
Situation on Ground:
- Entry of tourists banned at Balakot
- Roads closed in Dir Upper, Kumrat, and Lowari Tunnel
- Slippery roads causing traffic suspension
Rescue teams moved stranded individuals to safe shelters, including schools and hostels. In Shangla Top, tourists stranded for 22 hours were safely evacuated.
Gilgit-Baltistan Faces Extreme Conditions
The situation is most critical in Gilgit-Baltistan, where snowfall and avalanches have caused widespread disruption.
Major Challenges:
- Karakoram Highway blocked at multiple نقاط
- Hundreds of passengers and cargo vehicles stranded
- Supply chain of essential goods disrupted
In Astore, 5–6 feet of snow has blanketed areas like Rama Meadows, Deosai, and Nanga Parbat, cutting off land access completely.
Avalanche Threat and Isolated Communities
An avalanche at Musharraf Chowk blocked key routes, forcing authorities to deploy heavy machinery.
In remote valleys like Chipurson:
- Families already living in tents face extreme cold
- Relief access remains difficult
- خطر (risk) of further weather deterioration persists
Authorities are considering aerial supply routes to deliver food and essentials.
Nationwide Rescue and Relief Operations
The Pakistan Army, rescue teams, and district administrations are working together to manage the crisis.
Ongoing Efforts:
- Evacuation of stranded المواطنين (citizens)
- Temporary shelters and emergency facilities
- Road clearance operations
- Coordination for relief supply distribution
These operations remain challenging due to continuous snowfall and خطرناک (dangerous) terrain.
Weather Alert: More Snowfall Expected
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that:
- Snowfall and cold weather will persist for several days
- Risk of avalanches and landslides remains high
- Travel conditions may worsen further
Residents and tourists are advised to stay indoors and follow official guidelines.
Final Analysis
The ongoing snowstorm highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in northern regions. While rescue operations continue to save lives, prolonged disruptions in transport, power, and supply chains pose serious challenges.
Timely coordination between civil authorities and the Pakistan Army has prevented greater losses, but with more snowfall expected, the situation remains critical.
Source tribune.com.pk
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