Upper Hazara experiences 2nd day of snowfall

MANSEHRAiALPURAI: The snowfall continued in the upper parts of the Hazara division for the second consecutive day on Monday and the chill increased in the Shangla district as well.

The fresh spell, which began in Kaghan Valley and other mountainous parts of the division the other day, persisted on the second day, intensifying the cold weather.

“We are on alert in parts of Kaghan Valley as snowfall continues, blocking link roads to traffic in hilly areas,” stated Asad Shahzad, the assistant director of Kaghan Development Authority.

The mountainous parts in the Konsh and Siran valleys also received snowfall, which left many link roads blocked to traffic. The downpour continued sporadically in Mansehra, Torghar, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas.

According to the local administrations, no untoward incident happened in any part of the division on Monday. “Though upper parts of the division were already in a grip of severe cold, since the start of the fresh spell, the mercury has dropped to a record low in the last five years,” Mohammad Arif, a local said. He said that owing to the prolonged dry spell in Hazara, the underground water table would further plunge to an alarming situation.

SHANGLA: Snowfall covered the mountains of Shangla district in white and increased the intensity of the cold weather, confining people to their homes.

The snowfall also affected business activities, electricity supply and transportation. Traffic issues were reported on high-altitude roads like Shangla Top, Yakh Tangi Top, and Kundu area, with driving restrictions.

In upper Shangla areas, driving vehicles without chains was banned due to heavy snowfall. Snow accumulation was reported in various mountainous areas. Cold winds and rainfall prevailed in Shahpur, Bisham, Dandai, Purn Alvoch, Chakisar, Karora, Ranyal, and Komach Nasrat Khel areas throughout the day.

The intensity of cold weather has also caused an increase in the price of firewood. The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain and snowfall in the next several days.