Balakot: Naran and Kaghan have been hit by record snowfall that has brought daily life to a standstill, blocked roads, and cut electricity for the past five days, leaving residents facing serious hardship. While the heavy snow has turned the region into a stunning winter scene, it has also created major problems for local communities.
In Naran and nearby areas, snow has piled up to nearly seven feet, while Shogran, Kaghan, and the surrounding upper valleys have received up to five feet. Such intense snowfall has not been witnessed in years and has worsened the already severe winter conditions.
Extended power outages and disrupted communication services have further troubled residents. Power lines and poles have reportedly collapsed under the weight of snow, making repair work difficult and slow.
Due to the risk of landslides and continued snowfall, authorities have closed the Kaghan Road beyond Mahandri for all traffic. Roads leading to the tourist spot Shogran have also been temporarily shut to avoid accidents.
The Meteorological Department has warned that rain and snowfall may continue today, advising both locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from upper areas until conditions improve.
Fresh wave of rain, snow freezes life in Battagram
Battagram district and nearby areas including Chhatar Plain, Alaai, and Shangla, were struck by another spell of heavy snowfall last night, which continued until Tuesday evening.
Life has been badly disrupted as plains were buried under four feet of snow, while upper mountainous routes were blocked by around two feet. Many people, including shopkeepers from Battagram, Torghar, Kohistan, and Alaai, were stranded at Shangla Top.
All link roads in Battagram and parts of Alaai have been closed, raising fears of food shortages. The Karakoram Highway and the CPEC Expressway from Battagram to Achhariyan were also shut at Neeli Shang, Sharkol, and Chhatar.
Electricity has remained suspended for five days, with further damage reported to power transmission lines due to continuous snowfall. The cold has intensified, with temperatures dropping below freezing and reaching minus four degrees Celsius.
On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Battagram Ishtiaq Khan, relief teams were deployed early in the morning. Additional deputy commissioners, Assistant Commissioner Salim Khan, and other officers personally supervised relief efforts. Teams are still working in various areas to clear snow from roads and highways.
Residents remain confined to their homes, effectively under lockdown, waiting for the snow to ease. The Meteorological Department has said the current spell of rain and snowfall is expected to subside late at night.