Northern Pakistan: Swift Relief Operations Underway as Heavy Snowfall Paralyses Regions, Tragically Claims Nine Lives in Chitral

Northern Pakistan Grapples with Severe Snowfall: A Region Under Siege, Relief Efforts Intensify

As winter's grip tightened across northern Pakistan, communities faced an extraordinary challenge. Intense snowfall and dangerous avalanches have brought road networks to a standstill, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded and tragically claiming at least nine lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chitral district. In response, authorities have escalated relief and rescue operations, working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather. Indeed,swift relief operations are underway as heavy snowfall paralyses northern areas, and tragically, has already claimed nine lives in Chitral.

Coordinated Rescues Bring Hope to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a beacon of hope emerged through the swift and coordinated efforts of the Pakistan Army and civil administration. Their collaborative action successfully rescued dozens of citizens trapped by the snow and restored vital road connectivity in hard-hit areas. The main Kotli–Nikyal road, completely blocked by continuous snowfall, had left numerous vehicles immobilised and families vulnerable to freezing temperatures. This vital lifeline's blockage highlighted the urgency of the situation.

Responding to this urgent call, Pakistan Army troops, under the leadership of a commanding officer, braved treacherous conditions to reach the snowbound Peer Nasora area late on January 23. An army vehicle, laden with essential relief supplies—including food, clean drinking water, warm beverages, juices, and fuel—successfully navigated the challenging terrain, providing immediate and crucial assistance to those stranded. Women, children, and elderly passengers were safely evacuated to secure locations. The seamless coordination between military and civilian authorities was further underscored by the arrival of a civil rescue team from Kotli, joining the operation. Together, through these joint efforts, the Kotli–Nikyal road was fully cleared and reopened for traffic, restoring much-needed normal movement for the affected communities.

Poonch District: A Journey Interrupted, Lives Saved

A separate rescue mission in Poonch district saw a combined Army and civil administration team successfully evacuate 35 individuals stranded at Mehmood Gali. This group had been traveling from Rawalpindi to Haveli district to attend a funeral when inter-district roads became impassable due to heavy snowfall. Thanks to the prompt intervention, all stranded individuals were safely moved to a nearby village, ensuring their immediate well-being and security.

Authorities confirmed that all inter-district roads in both Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions remained closed since Friday morning due to the unrelenting snowfall. Furthermore, the primary highway connecting Muzaffarabad to Islamabad via Murree was also rendered impassable. The administration issued a strong advisory, urging citizens to defer all non-essential travel until weather conditions show significant improvement, prioritizing public safety above all.

Avalanche Tragedy Strikes Lower Chitral

Amidst the widespread challenges, a profound tragedy unfolded in Lower Chitral's Arandu area. An avalanche, sweeping through a residential locality, claimed the lives of nine members of a single family and left one child injured. Rescue 1122 teams mounted an hours-long, arduous operation, ultimately recovering the bodies of five men and four women from the devastating debris. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers posed by such severe weather.

National Leaders Express Grief and Call for Accelerated Relief

In the wake of these losses, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif conveyed their profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. In separate messages, both leaders directed federal, provincial, and local authorities to significantly accelerate relief operations in all affected areas, underscoring the national commitment to supporting those impacted.

The Prime Minister further instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain vigilant oversight of the situation in mountainous regions. He emphasized the importance of continuous coordination with relevant agencies to ensure a rapid and effective response to any further emergencies that may arise.

Murree: Managing Access Amidst Snowfall

In the popular hill station of Murree, heavy snowfall led to significant traffic disruptions and forced the closure of its major access routes. Following initial intensive clearance work, the district administration partially reopened entry points on Saturday, implementing controlled and phased access for both residents and tourists. Officials reported that heavy machinery is actively clearing snow from key roads, though traffic continues to move slowly due to slippery surfaces and thick snow layers. Motorists have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, meticulously follow all traffic advisories, and exercise patience as clearance operations are ongoing.

The administration reassured the public that all entry points to Murree would be fully reopened once roads are completely cleared and safe for travel. Motorway Police, Traffic Police, and other relevant departments have been placed on high alert to expertly manage traffic, assist travelers, and uphold public safety across the region.

A Call for Public Cooperation and Vigilance

Authorities across the entire northern region have emphasized the critical need for public cooperation during these adverse weather conditions. Citizens are urged to stay continually updated through official advisories and to avoid travel in snowbound areas unless absolutely necessary. Such collective vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount in navigating these challenging times.