Murree hit by blizzard as 5,000 tourists stranded

BATTAGRAM/ BALAKOT:

A major rescue operation was underway in Murree after heavy snowfall and a blizzard left more than 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded on Friday, prompting the district administration to impose a complete ban on multi-vehicle access to the hill station, DNA reported.

Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer (DPO) Dr. Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra was present in the field to oversee the operation, which focused on clearing internal roads and ensuring safe evacuation of stranded tourists.

According to DNA, the Deputy Commissioner said the snowfall had reached about one foot and was continuing. He said snowplows, cranes and loaders were working around the clock to reopen main roads and restore mobility.

He highlighted that the administration had mobilized all available resources to ensure public safety and provided ongoing guidance and assistance to tourists and residents. He appealed to visitors to remain patient and assured them that all relevant departments were fully operational.

The DPO said visibility had dropped to near zero due to the intensity of the snowfall, creating life-threatening conditions. He said a complete ban on the entry of additional vehicles into Murree had been imposed until the situation improved

He said that the safety of tourists remained top priority in the prevailing weather conditions and urged people to strictly avoid traveling towards Murree. He added that stranded tourists should not panic as the police and district administration were present on the ground, the agency added.

The DPO also advised people lying in vehicles to exercise caution while using heaters and ensure adequate ventilation to maintain oxygen levels. He said police officers would remain deployed in the field until all tourists were safely evacuated and normal conditions were restored, a police spokesman said.

Meanwhile, rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours in the Kaghan Valley, Murree and Hazara region created a striking contrast between festive scenes for tourists and mounting hardships for local residents as extreme winter weather disrupted transport, power supply and daily life.

Fresh snowfall transformed popular mountain resorts into postcard-perfect landscapes and attracted large numbers of visitors eager to experience the winter spectacle.

Shogran, Naran and Kaghan saw an increase in tourists after news spread of heavy snow covering pine forests and mountain slopes. Visitors described the landscape as enchanting, with snow-covered valleys offering a rare and memorable experience.

However, many struggled to cope with the biting cold, relying on braziers, hot drinks and warm clothing as temperatures dipped well below freezing.

Kaghan Valley, Balakot and its surrounding areas remained firmly in the grip of severe cold. Snowfall of more than three feet in several places has led to the closure of several connecting roads, severely restricting movement.

Official figures show that Naran received up to four feet of snow, while Kaghan and Shogran received around three feet of snowfall. As temperatures plummeted, Naran recorded minus 10 degrees Celsius, turning the region into what locals described as a ‘freezer’.

While tourists continued to arrive in search of winter landscapes, the same weather has presented serious challenges to residents. Power outages and disrupted communication networks have compounded difficulties, especially in remote areas. The closure of the Kaghan Highway and several connecting roads has cut off the supply of food, fuel and other essential goods, leaving many households struggling to meet basic needs.

The district administration said snow-clearing operations had begun on the Kaghan Highway and other major routes, urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel and ensure vehicles were fitted with tire chains. Authorities warned that further snowfall was likely in the upper reaches and advised tourists to check weather and road conditions before travelling.

Similar conditions prevailed in Battagram and its surrounding areas, including Chhattar Plain and Allai Tehsil, where residents witnessed record snowfall for the first time in eight years. Heavy snow, which began late Thursday evening and continued until Friday, caused a sharp drop in temperatures and made many connecting roads impassable.

The snowfall severely damaged the power infrastructure in Battagram and Allai, throwing large parts of the district into darkness. Electricity poles and transmission lines collapsed in several places, while fallen trees brought down cables, resulting in a complete blackout of power supply. Attendance at government offices was minimal, commercial centers remained closed and residents were largely confined to their homes.

Elsewhere in the Hazara region, Abbottabad received its first significant snowfall in nine years, while Thandiyani recorded up to four feet of snow. Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Donga Gali, Changla Gali and other hill stations reported between three and four feet of snowfall.

Heavy snow and rain, accompanied by strong winds, pushed temperatures below freezing, while power supply was temporarily cut in parts of Abbottabad.

Police and district authorities established assistance and information centers on routes leading to tourist destinations and provided guidance, food and support to visitors. Traffic police closed several roads, including routes connecting Abbottabad with Murree and Galiyat region, and are advising tourists to delay travel until the snow clears and avoid driving after sunset.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted that the snowfall is likely to ease, but warned that extreme cold, slippery roads and unstable weather conditions will continue to pose risks, urging citizens and tourists alike to exercise caution and prioritize safety.

With additional input from agencies.