Murree braces for likely blizzard.

RAWALPINDI -- The Punjab administration has been put on high alert in light of a forecast by Met Office that heavy snowfall, which will start over the weekend, may disrupt routine life and result in roads closure in Murree and other parts of the country.

According to the meteorological department, a westerly wave affecting north Balochistan is likely to grip the upper parts of the country on the night of January 20 and may persist till January 25 with occasional gaps. Other regions expected to receive snowfall during the same period include Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.

Along with Rawalpindi and Islamabad, drizzle is also expected in Multan, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Dera Ismail Khan on January 20 and 21.

Rain-wind (moderate to isolated heavy snowfall) is expected in Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Murree, Galiyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad from January 23 to 25.

The Met office stated that heavy snowfall may disrupt and cause the closure of the road in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.

Heavy snowfall expected from Saturday; rain likely in twin cities and other parts of country

Landslides in the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may also occur during the forecast period. Tourists are advised to remain extra cautious during the spell. However, the rain will be beneficial for the standing crops, particularly in parts of Punjab and KP. The met office asked the concerned authorities to remain alert to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

Arrangements for tourists

On the other hand, the Punjab government has made arrangements to keep tourists and locals safe in light of expected heavy snowfall in Murree. The spokesman for the provincial government said that all departments have been assigned their responsibilities.

Murree Deputy Commissioner Ahmad Hasan...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT