Mountainous parts of Hazara receive snowfall

MANSEHRA: The mountainous parts of Hazara Division on Saturday received snowfall, lowering the temperature in the division.

The snowfall, which began in the morning in the high-altitude areas of Kaghan valley, Siran valley in Mansehra and Kandia and Spat valleys in Kohistan, continued intermittently throughout the day.

Abrar Ali, the district emergency officer for Rescue 1122, placed stations in the tourist resorts of Shogran and Kawai on alert to handle any weather-related incidents during the ongoing snowfall, which is expected to last until January 21.

He stated that, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the department was taking precautionary measures for the fresh spell of rain and snowfall in the district.

Abrar Ali mentioned that the rain and snowfall could potentially block roads in Kaghan valley and other high-altitude areas across the district and visitors should avoid unnecessary travelling for their safety.

“We in collaboration with the district administration have adopted additional precautionary measures, and tourists are advised to avoid visiting mountainous areas during the ongoing snowfall,” he added.

The district in charge also emphasised that residents living near streams, nullahs, rivers, and tributaries should strictly adhere to precautionary measures to prevent any mishaps in case of rising water levels.

“We have issued warnings through our stations across the district, advising motorists and transporters to exercise caution while travelling in landslide-prone areas, especially in high-altitude regions,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority issued a weather advisory to the deputy commissioners of Mansehra, Torghar, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas urging them to adopt extra precautionary measures during the ongoing weather spell in their respective districts.