RAWALPINDI: Murree Stranded as Heavy Snowfall Causes Chaos on Roads
The recent heavy snowfall in Murree has resulted in numerous tourists being stranded for extended periods due to challenging weather conditions.
With over ten inches of snowfall within a day, Murree’s roads have become hazardous, leading to traffic congestion and vehicle breakdowns.
A significant traffic jam occurred on Murree Expressway and the Lower Topa to Sahar Bagla highway as vehicles struggled in the snow, with accumulations reaching up to one and a half feet in Murree and Galiyat.
Tourists stuck in the prolonged traffic jam appealed for urgent measures on Murree Expressway and Srinagar Highway.
While the National Highway Authority and local authorities are actively working to clear the roads, the intermittent snowfall continues to pose challenges.
Complicating matters, power outages and rising hotel prices are further adding to the difficulties faced by tourists.
The Relief Commissioner Punjab is coordinating efforts to clear the roads, and authorities in Islamabad have restricted access to Murree to ensure efficient traffic management.
More Snowfall Predicted
According to the spokesperson of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rain and snowfall are anticipated to persist in Murree. The administration is urged to provide necessary facilities to tourists.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad has announced the prohibition of tourist entry from 17 miles to Murree.
Tourists have also been cautioned about the risk of landslides in the upper regions due to heavy rain and snowfall.
In response to the forecasted heavy snowfall until February 4, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad has issued directives to the Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police Operations, and Chief Traffic Officer. Immediate action is emphasized, including ensuring smooth traffic flow from Islamabad to Murree and collaborating on emergency preparedness with the administrations of Rawalpindi and Murree.
These directives underscore the urgency of coordinated efforts among relevant authorities to address potential emergency situations and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in Murree.
The Meteorological Department predicts ongoing snowfall in upper areas, with Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan expecting cloudy weather, gusty winds, and thundershowers.
In other regions, including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, there are forecasts of rain, snowfall, and thundershowers, with some areas experiencing fog.
Meanwhile, Balochistan is anticipated to remain cold and dry during the day, with rain and thundershowers likely in the evening and night in specific districts.
