Heavy Snowstorms Grip Hilly Regions of Pakistan, Leaving Millions Besieged and Cut Off

Heavy snowfall has blanket many hilly areas of the country, severely disrupting daily life. In response to citizens trapped by the snow, the Pakistan Army continues its rescue operations.

Kailash valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained picturesque under a layer of white snow, while Neelum Valley and Grace Valley also experienced significant snowfall; up to five feet was recorded in Grace Valley alone. People were stranded inside their homes, where work is underway to restore electricity.

The road leading to Grace Valley has been closed due to heavy snowfall, cutting off land communication in Leepa Valley as well. The Pakistan Army continued its successful helicopter rescue and relief operations, evacuating a patient from the emergency facility for medical treatment at Rawalpindi Military Hospital.

Several families were rescued by the army through the Kotli-Nakiyal Road, and food and other relief items were provided to those in need.

In response to ongoing heavy snowfall, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted further rain and snowfall across various regions. These areas include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as parts of Islamabad, Murree, Galiyat, Punjab, and northern districts such as Leh, Astore, Kalam, Nathia Gali, Parachinar, Kalat, and Gopis. The temperature in these regions has dropped significantly, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius in Leh, minus 9 degrees in Astore, Kalam, and Nathia Gali, minus 8 degrees in Parachinar, Kalat, and minus 7 degrees Celsius in Gopis.