MIRPUR:

A heavy influx of tourists from different parts of the country thronged the scenic snow-clad Neelam Valley in Azad Jammu Kashmir on Sunday.

After more than three months of dry weather, the higher areas of the picturesque valley were hit by the third period of the highest snowfall, bringing joy to residents and tourists.

The Graze Valley sub-division has not suffered from central places following heavy intermittent snowfall at the highest fringes of the snow-clad Neelam Valley, State Disaster Management Authority sources told APP.

Tourist hotspots in the picturesque mountainous terrain of the picturesque valley witnessed varying degrees of medium to high snowfall.

The popular snowy resorts transformed in the scenic valley into playgrounds for tourists from different parts of Pakistan and AJK who capture memorable moments and expressed joy playing in the snow.

Meanwhile, forecast predicts the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow at many places on both sides of the LoC in IIOJ&K state, with heavy snowfall expected in the isolated upper reaches of the Indian occupied Kashmir division, including districts like Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandi -pora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam, says a report reaching from across the Line of Control (LoC).

The residents of these high-altitude areas have been strictly advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones during the next 24 hours, according to the AJKSDMA.

It recommends that people stay informed of the situation and adhere to safety guidelines to reduce the risk of potential avalanches in the snowy areas.