Heavy snow blocks roads, stranding residents as evacuation deadline extended to February 5
KHYBER:
Residents of Tirah Valley were stranded in several places due to heavy snowfall, prompting authorities to extend the evacuation deadline. Initially set for January 25, the new deadline now allows affected families to complete relocation by February 5.
Snowstorms continuing since Wednesday have left up to two feet of snow in several parts of the Tirah Valley, blocking the only road connecting Tirah to Bara and Peshawar. Hundreds of vehicles carrying men, women and children remain trapped along the mountainous route, especially between Larbagh, Dwa Tui and Sandana. Freezing temperatures and road closures have left stranded residents facing severe hardship.
The military has stepped in to provide immediate relief, distributing warm blankets, food and medical supplies in several locations to help trapped families.
Provincial Assembly Member and DEDC Khyber Chairman Abdul Ghani Afridi told The Express PAkGazette that the situation is critical, with residents stranded in different areas of the valley due to heavy snowfall. He added that both the provincial government and the district administration are working tirelessly to provide help to all the stranded vehicles.
Abdul Ghani Afridi also stated that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is in constant contact and has ordered that all necessary facilities be provided to the residents of Tirah in case of emergency.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid leaving their homes while the snow continues and to wait for the road to clear before attempting to travel.
Meanwhile, a vehicle carrying IDPs from Tirah met with an accident near Dwa Tui last night, killing two children and injuring their parents. The injured were shifted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar for treatment.
