A powerful spell of rain and snowfall has engulfed large parts of northern Pakistan, disrupting daily life, closing major roads, and intensifying cold conditions as authorities urge citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.Snowfall has resumed in Murree with up to six inches of snow recorded so far. The Meteorological Department says snowfall will continue today.

Due to heavy accumulation, the Murree Expressway has been completely closed, bringing tourist movement and traffic to a halt.In Mansehra, rain continues in the plains while intermittent snowfall persists in upper areas. The main highway in Kaghan Valley has been closed due to heavy snowfall.About one foot of snow has fallen in the tourist resort of Shogran, while more than ten inches has accumulated in Kaghan Bazaar.

Snowfall caused electricity poles and trees to fall on the Kaghan Highway, disrupting power supply. Kaghan Development Authority staff and machinery are actively engaged in clearing snow and removing obstacles. The administration has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel in Kaghan Valley.Several areas of Mohmand District have witnessed historic snowfall, including Ambar, Baizai, and Pindilai tehsils.

Snowfall was also reported in the Yousuf Baba area of Pang Ghar tehsil and parts of Charsadda.Snow accumulation across Ambar Atmankhel and Baizai tehsils has intensified cold conditions and increased difficulties for residents across multiple tehsils.  After a prolonged dry winter, heavy snowfall has begun in Kharmang District. The weather has turned extremely cold as mountains and valleys are covered in a thick white blanket.

Rain and snowfall continue across Azad Kashmir, paralyzing life in many areas. Upper-region communication roads have begun closing, cutting off access. After many years, light snowfall was also recorded in Muzaffarabad city. Heavy snowfall persists in Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley, with more than three feet of snow reported in Neelum Valley.  Snowfall was also recorded in Pir Chinasi, Makra Ganja Pahar, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli districts.

Electricity and phone services remain disrupted in upper areas, while intermittent rain and snowfall are expected to continue throughout the day. Like other parts of Azad Kashmir, heavy and stormy snowfall continues in Poonch District, including the suburbs of Rawalakot. Authorities say a 20-year snowfall record has been broken. In tourist destinations such as Toli Pir, Lasdanna, Shaheed Gul Bilal Potha, and surrounding areas, snow depth has exceeded eight feet.

All major and connecting roads have been closed, and the power transmission system is completely suspended. The severe cold has confined residents to their homes, with elderly people, children, and patients facing severe hardship. The SDMA has issued a red alert, urging people to stay indoors, avoid travel, and take precautionary measures.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)