Workers push a stranded car along a snow-covered road in Abbottabad after the region received the first snowfall of the season. Photo: PPI
ABBOTTABAD:
Fresh snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rain, covered Murree, Abbottabad and the Galiyat region early on Tuesday, causing a sharp drop in temperatures and forcing authorities to issue travel warnings while assuring tourists that they were prepared and carrying out road clearing operations.
In Murree, up to four inches of snow was recorded late in the night, and then light snowfall turned to intermittent rain.
Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Mohammad Raza Tanveer Sapra said all roads in the mountain resort remained open and traffic was flowing normally.
He added that temperatures had dropped to around 3C, but no roads were blocked and there were no reports of stranded vehicles.
The administration and traffic police responded quickly to clear the roads and ensure smooth movement.
Tourists were advised to be cautious due to fog and slippery conditions, use fog lights, avoid speeding and overtaking, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Emergency assistance remains available through helpline 15 and traffic police.
Meanwhile, a second snowfall along with continuous rains in Thandiyani, Nathiagali, Ayubia and other hilly areas of Galiyat pushed temperatures below freezing point.
Snow accumulation of six to nine inches was reported in the upper areas, prompting the district administration to deploy heavy machinery from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority, Galiyat Development Authority and Department of Works and Communications to clear snow and restore access to roads.
As a precautionary measure, the Abbottabad-Murree road via Nathiagali was closed for traffic after 5 pm, while the Abbottabad-Nathiagali road remains open.
The Barian-Nathiagali highway has also been closed in Tohidabad and nearby areas due to the risk of landslides and avalanches.
Road rehabilitation works are underway under the supervision of the Abbottabad administration, and the Additional Assistant Commissioner is present in the area to supervise the operations.
Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety guidelines.
In case of emergency, citizens can contact Abbottabad District Control Room at 0992-9310553 or Galiyat Development Authority Control Room at Nathiagali.
