Landslides, Floods, and Power Outages Reported Amid Extreme Weather
Heavy rain and snowfall continue to wreak havoc in various parts of the country, disrupting daily life, stranding tourists, and causing casualties. In Jamrud, a landslide tragically claimed one life, while relentless downpours have inundated low-lying areas, worsening the situation.
Punjab Drenched, Streets Turn into Waterways
Several districts in Punjab, including Nankana Sahib, Khanewal, Vehari, and Hujra Shah Muqeem, experienced torrential overnight rains, submerging streets and disrupting movement. Widespread power outages were reported as multiple feeders tripped, leaving many areas in darkness.
Other cities such as Gujrat, Sargodha, Jhang, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kot Addu, and Chichawatni were also battered by heavy downpours, intensifying the ongoing cold spell.
Snowfall Strands Tourists, Cuts Off Remote Areas
Tourists remain stranded in different parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Astore due to relentless snowfall and rain.
In Neelum Valley, Astore, and Kalam, snowfall has intensified, bringing life to a standstill. Astore remains completely cut off from upper regions after three consecutive days of snowfall, accumulating nearly four feet of snow. An avalanche in Khachik has further blocked the Astore Valley Road.
Roads Blocked, Communication Severed
Heavy snowfall in Galiyat, Neelum Valley, and Leepa Valley has severely impacted traffic, leaving travelers stuck. Landslides in Azad Kashmir have cut off key routes to Neelum and Leepa Valleys, while the communication network has suffered extensive damage.
Despite the extreme conditions, rescue teams successfully evacuated 200 tourists from Leepa Valley and Kail Seri in Azad Kashmir. However, the main Sharda-Taobat highway remains blocked due to avalanches.
In Neelum Valley, rescue operations to retrieve three individuals trapped under an avalanche have been suspended due to worsening weather.
Casualties Rise as Weather Worsens
At least nine people have lost their lives in various rain-related incidents across the country.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two fatalities and seven injuries have been reported in the past 48 hours due to collapsing roofs and other incidents. Among the injured are four children and three women.
Ten houses sustained damage, with three completely destroyed and seven partially affected in districts including Haripur, Battagram, Bajaur, Kohistan, Dir, Hangu, Khyber, and Torghar.
More Rain and Snowfall Expected
The Meteorological Department has warned of further rain and snowfall today in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, Pothohar, Islamabad, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. There is also an increased risk of landslides and slippery roads, which could further disrupt travel and rescue efforts.
KP is expected to receive more rainfall in the next 24 hours, particularly in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi, Dir, Chitral, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Battagram, Kohistan, and other districts.
Recent Weather Stats:
- Rainfall: 32mm in Kakol and Patan, 28mm in Balakot, and 19mm in Dir and Malam Jabba
- Snowfall: 2 inches in Chitral, 1 inch in Kalam
- Peshawar Temperature: 10°C (min), 19°C (max)
- Coldest Places: Parachinar (-3°C), Kalam, Drosh, Malam Jabba, and Chitral (0°C)
Emergency Response Activated
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has ordered immediate relief efforts, directing authorities to reopen blocked roads and assist affected families.
The emergency operation center remains fully active, and citizens are urged to report any emergencies via helpline 1700.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the nation braces for more extreme weather in the coming days.
