Severe Weather Warning Hits Upper Pakistan: Stay Alert Amid Landslides and Road Closures

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning regarding road closures and landslides from January 26 to 27 due to heavy snowfall affecting upper parts of the country. The PMD advised citizens to exercise extra caution during this period. According to the Met Office, there was a likelihood of road closure or slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, and other areas. The Met Office also cautioned that there was a possibility of landslides or avalanches in the hilly regions of Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (UPKP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.

The PMD advised tourists to remain extra cautious during this two-day period due to travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall, landslides, and avalanches. These events have significantly impacted life in KP, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir by blocking roads, stranding travelers, and disrupting electricity and relief operations amid freezing temperatures.

Earlier in the week, at least nine members of a family were killed when a snow avalanche buried their house in Chitral. According to the Met Office, “The western system is likely to affect southwestern Balochistan from tonight (Sunday) and will grip the western and upper parts of the country from Monday.” The forecast for today indicated mainly cold and dry weather in most parts of the country, while very cold and partly cloudy conditions were expected in Upper KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, there was a risk of cold winds across the region.

The Met Office predicted cloudy skies with intermittent rains, thunderstorms, and snowfall for the following day throughout KP, Kashmir, GB, Balochistan, and upper Punjab. Heavy snowfall and moderate to intense snowfall were expected in hilly areas. Furthermore, on Monday, there was a forecast of rain-thunderstorm-snowfall combinations likely across South Punjab and upper Sindh.

These conditions have led to significant disruptions throughout the region, impacting various sectors including transportation, relief efforts, and daily life.