Snowstorm paralyses Pakistan’s north, stranding hundreds

Continuous snowfall across Pakistan’s northern areas have brought daily life to a near standstill, with major roads blocked, power systems disrupted and hundreds of residents and travelers stranded.

Several feet of snow have covered mountainous districts in AJK, KP and Gilgit Baltistan, officials reported. As a result, highways and key mountain passes have been blocked. Pakistan army has started rescue and relief operation in the snow-hit areas. 

In the Neelum Valley and surrounding areas, roads are blocked by heavy snow, while electricity poles and lines have been disrupted leaving many without power for more than 24 hours.

According to reports, around 25 vehicles, including an ambulance, were trapped in Haveli district’s deep snow, with about 100 people stranded. However, army officials rescued 32 passengers and recovered two bodies from the vehicle.

Snow has also fallen in Muzaffarabad after several years, while avalanches and landslides have blocked strategic roads in KP and GB. Sections of the Karakoram Highway have also been blocked by heavy snowfall, stranding many cargo and passenger vehicles.