Life disrupts as snowfall continues for third day in Chitral

CHITRAL: Routine life disrupted as snowfall continued across Chitral for the third consecutive day on Sunday.The snowfall from 1.5 to 3 feet in various valleys led to closure of businesses and disturbing routine life in Lower Chitral’s district headquarters, Chitral City, and Upper Chitral’s central town, Booni.

Severe cold forced residents indoors and business centres remained closed, creating a curfew-like situation in the area.Reports said that vehicular traffic was operational for Torkhow, Tirich, and Mulkhow with people traveling in emergencies using snow chains.

They said that near the Booni Bridge, a landslide had blocked the road with debris spreading over a 20-foot stretch. Despite passage of 24 hours, neither the National Highway Authority nor the district administration has taken any action, leaving the Booni-Mastuj road closed at this point.

In Lower Chitral, the Lowari Tunnel approach road remained open for all types of vehicular traffic, where heavy machinery was used to clear snow and allow convoys to pass.However, the Chitral-Garam Chashma road was closed to all traffic, while roads to Bamburet, Arsoon, Shishi Koh, and Arandu were still accessible for motor vehicles.Despite heavy snowfall, electricity supply in Chitral city and surrounding areas remained uninterrupted, and the grid-station in Jutilasht, where over four feet of snow had fallen, was still connected.

Meanwhile, Member National Assembly Abdul Latif has directed the administration of both the districts to stay vigilant and take immediate measures to address the challenges faced by the public due to the snowfall.