Heavy snowfall blocks roads, stranding residents as evacuation deadline extended to February 5
SHELTER:
Residents of the Tirah Valley have been stranded in several places due to heavy snowfall, prompting authorities to extend the deadline for evacuation. Originally set for January 25, the new deadline now gives affected families the opportunity to complete the move by February 5 at the latest.
Ongoing blizzards since Wednesday have left up to two meters of snow in several parts of Tirah valley, blocking the only road connecting Tirah to Bara and Peshawar. Hundreds of vehicles carrying men, women and children are still stuck along the mountainous route, especially between Larbagh, Dwa Tui and Sandana. Freezing temperatures and road closures have left the stranded residents facing severe hardships.
The Army has stepped in to provide immediate relief and distribute warm blankets, food and medical supplies at various locations to help the trapped families.
Member of the Provincial Assembly and DEDC Chairman Khyber, Abdul Ghani Afridi, told The Express Pakinomist that the situation is critical, with residents trapped in different areas of the valley due to the heavy snowfall. He added that both the provincial government and the district administration are working tirelessly to provide assistance to every stranded vehicle.
Abdul Ghani Afridi also stated that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is in constant contact and has directed that all necessary facilities should be made available to the residents of Tirah in case of emergency.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid leaving their homes as the snowfall continues and to wait for road clearance before attempting to travel.
Meanwhile, a vehicle carrying IDPs from Tirah met with an accident near Dwa Tui last night, resulting in the death of two children and injuries to their parents. The injured were shifted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar for treatment.
