Abbottabad (Tahir Mehmood)
The upper mountainous regions of Hazara Division, including Kaghan, Naran, Nathiagali, Circle Bakot, Thandiani, and Ayubia, have been experiencing heavy snowfall since last night. Continuous rain and snowfall have led to severe travel disruptions, cutting off Circle Bakot from Abbottabad completely. Residents are now forced to travel via Azad Kashmir to reach Abbottabad.
Despite the challenging conditions, traffic is still operational between Kohala and Rawalpindi, as well as Muzaffarabad. However, several major routes, including the Nathiagali-Bakot Road, Thandiani-Patten Paliar Road, Khaira Gali-Riala-Malkot Road, and various other link roads in Galiyat, remained block due to accumulated snow.
The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and rescue teams are working tirelessly in emergency mode to clear the roads. District administration officials have issued travel advisories, urging both locals and tourists to exercise caution while traveling. Authorities remain active in the field, ensuring safety and road clearance.
Due to heavy rainfall, there are growing concerns over potential landslides in low-lying areas. Reports indicate that Mukshpuri, Miranjani, Thandiani Top, Ayubia, and Galiyat have received snowfall ranging from six inches to one foot. Additionally, roads connecting Murree and Abbottabad, including Nathiagali-Bakot Road, Changla Gali-Tajwal Road, and Koza Gali-Khanspur Road, have also been closed.
Assistant Commissioner of Abbottabad, Shamim Ullah Khan, is personally overseeing the ongoing snow clearance operations. Meanwhile, authorities are advising travelers to check the latest weather updates, ensure their vehicles are well-equipped for snowy conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel. Tourists are particularly urged to carry essential supplies, keep fuel tanks full, use snow chains, and drive cautiously to prevent accidents.
Rescue teams and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, prioritizing the reopening of key routes while ensuring public safety.
