Workers push a stranded car along a snow-covered road in Abbottabad after the region received its first snowfall of the season. Photo: PPI
ABBOTTABAD:
A fresh snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rain, blanketed the Murree, Abbottabad and Galiyat region early on Tuesday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and prompting authorities to issue travel advisories while ensuring preparedness and road clearing operations for tourists.
In Murree, up to four inches of snow was recorded late at night, with light snowfall later turning into intermittent rain.
Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Dr. Mohammad Raza Tanveer Sapra said all roads in the hill resort remained open and traffic was flowing normally.
He added that temperatures had dropped to around 3°C, but no routes were blocked and there were no reports of vehicles being stranded.
The administration and the traffic police responded quickly to clear the roads and ensure smooth movement.
Tourists were advised to exercise caution due to fog and slippery conditions, use fog lights, avoid speeding and overtaking and keep a safe distance between vehicles. Emergency help is still available through helpline 15 and the traffic police.
Meanwhile, another snowfall along with persistent rain in Thandiyani, Nathiagali, Ayubia and other hilly areas of Galiyat pushed the temperatures below freezing.
Snow accumulation of six to nine inches was reported in the upper reaches, prompting the district administration to deploy heavy machinery from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority, Galiyat Development Authority and the Communication and Works Department to clear snow and restore road access.
As a precautionary measure, the Abbottabad-Murree road via Nathiagali was closed to all traffic after 10 pm. 5 PM while the Abbottabad-Nathiagali road remains open.
The Barian-Nathiagali road has also been closed at Tohidabad and nearby areas due to the risk of landslides and avalanches.
Road rehabilitation work is underway under the supervision of the Abbottabad administration, with the Additional Assistant Commissioner present in the area to oversee the operations.
Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety guidelines.
In case of emergency, citizens can contact District Control Room Abbottabad on 0992-9310553 or Galiyat Development Authority Control Room in Nathiagali.
