ISLAMABAD: Heavy snow has started in Murree, Galiyat, Kaghan Naran Valley, and Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. Many roads are closed because of the snow. In Murree and Galiyat, tourists are not allowed to enter anymore. The administration and rescue teams are on full alert.
As per report, Deputy Commissioner Murree, Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, said that due to heavy snow, tourists cannot enter Murree. Local people can go in after showing their ID cards. The Murree Expressway is closed at 17 Mile Toll Plaza and Lower Topa, and snow is being cleared.
He added that highway department machines are working to clear all connecting roads. Salt is being sprinkled to avoid slippery conditions. The roads will open as soon as the situation becomes normal.
Tourist Entry to Galiyat Banned Due to Heavy Snow:
Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad, Captain (Retd) Sanaullah Khan, has also banned tourists from entering Galiyat. Additional Assistant Commissioner Galiyat, Shamimullah, is working with the GDA to clear the roads. Tourists are asked to avoid unnecessary travel to Galiyat to stay safe from snow-related problems.
Tourists in Galiyat can call the District Control Room Abbottabad at 09929310553, the District Resource and Communication Centre Abbottabad at 09929310556, or the Galiyat Control Room Nathia Gali at 0992355138 in case of an emergency.
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In Neelum Valley’s upper areas, heavy snow is falling, and the Neelum Highway is closed at several points. Assistant Commissioner Sharda has asked tourists to avoid unnecessary travel. In Jagran, avalanches have started, and strong winds have blown off the roofs of several houses.
In Kaghan Valley, areas like Shogran, Siri Paye, Naran, Bata Kundi, Babusar, and nearby valleys are seeing snowfall. This has made the weather colder, and the Kaghan Highway is also closed.
Schools Closed in Galiyat for Four Days:
In Galiyat, schools are closed for four days because of the heavy snow. A notification has been issued about this. The education department said both private and government schools in Galiyat will stay closed for four days due to the snow. Schools in areas like UC Bairangli, Nagri Bala, Nathia Gali, Tajwal, and Patan Kalan will remain shut.
Schools in Kokmang, Namli Maira, and Khera Gali are also closed. District Education Officer Iftikhar-ul-Ghani issued the notification, and schools in Galiyat will stay closed until March 7.
