Murree hit by snowstorm and 5,000 tourists stranded

BATTAGRAM/BALAKOT:

A major rescue operation was underway in Murree after heavy snowfall and a blizzard stranded over 5,000 tourist vehicles on Friday, prompting the district administration to impose a complete ban on entry of more vehicles into the hill station, DNA reported.

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

According to DNA, the deputy commissioner said snowfall had reached about a foot and was continuing. He said snow plows, cranes and loaders were working around the clock to reopen main roads and restore mobility.

He stressed that the administration had mobilized all available resources to ensure public safety and was providing continuous guidance and assistance to tourists and residents. He asked visitors to be patient and assured them that all relevant departments were fully active.

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

He said the safety of tourists remains the top priority given the prevailing weather conditions and urged people to strictly avoid traveling towards Murree. He added that stranded tourists should not panic as police and district administration are present at the spot, the agency added.

The DPO also advised people sheltering in vehicles to exercise caution when using heaters and to ensure adequate ventilation to maintain oxygen levels. He said police officers would remain deployed in the countryside 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 Kaghan Valley, Murree region and Hazara created a striking contrast between festive scenes for tourists and increasing hardship for local residents as extreme winter weather disrupted transportation, power supply and daily life.

Recent snowfalls transformed popular mountain resorts into postcard-perfect landscapes, attracting large numbers of visitors eager to experience the winter spectacle.

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

Many, however, struggled to cope with the biting cold, relying on braziers, hot drinks and warm clothing as temperatures fell well below freezing.

Kaghan Valley, Balakot and its surrounding areas remained firmly gripped by bitter cold. Snowfall exceeding three feet in several locations has caused numerous link roads to be closed, severely restricting movement.

Official figures show Naran received up to four feet of snow, while Kaghan and Shogran received around three feet of snow. With a sharp drop in temperatures, Naran recorded -10 degrees Celsius, turning the region into what locals described as a “freezer”.

While tourists have continued to arrive in search of winter scenery, the weather itself has posed serious challenges for residents. Power outages and disruptions to communication networks have compounded difficulties, particularly in remote areas. The closure of the Kaghan Highway and several connecting roads has disrupted the supply of food, fuel and other essential goods, leaving many households struggling to meet their basic needs.

The district administration said they had started snow clearing operations on the Kaghan Highway and other important routes, urging commuters to avoid unnecessary journeys and ensure vehicles were equipped with tire chains. Authorities warned that more snowfall was likely in higher areas and advised tourists to check the weather and road conditions before traveling.

Similar conditions prevailed in and around Battagram, including Chhattar Plain and Allai Tehsil, where residents experienced record snowfall for the first time in eight years. Heavy snowfall that began Thursday night and continued into Friday caused a sharp drop in temperatures and left many roads impassable.

The snowfall severely damaged electrical infrastructure in Battagram and Allai, leaving large parts of the district in darkness. Electricity poles and transmission lines collapsed in several places, while fallen trees downed cables, causing a complete shutdown of power supply. Attendance at government offices was minimal, shopping malls 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 three to four feet of snow.

Heavy snowfall and rain, accompanied by strong winds, pushed temperatures below freezing point, while power supply in some parts of Abbottabad was temporarily disrupted.

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

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

With additional contributions from agencies.