Tag: rain’punjab

  • Late winters turn northern areas into snowland

    Late winters turn northern areas into snowland

    As late winter tightens its grip on the northern parts of the country, Naran, Kaghan, Shogran, and Murree, are transforming into winter wonderlands. The recent snowfall has not only captivated tourists but also prompted local authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.

    In Naran, Kaghan, and Shogran, heavy snowfall has persisted for the third consecutive day, with Babusar Top expected to remain under its winter coat until the coming Sunday, according to Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) official Mozam Ali.

    Notable snowfall accumulations include 1.5 feet in Shogran, 2.5 feet in Naran, 3.5 feet in Babusar, and seven inches in Kaghan.

    The Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) road has been opened up to Rajwal, allowing tourists to explore beyond this point. To assist both tourists and locals, the KDA has established a tourist facilitation center at Balakot.

    The typical winter pattern in these areas involves initial rains in the last 10 to 15 days of November, followed by snowfall in December.

    However, climate change has disrupted the pattern, resulting in a lack of rain and snow. This deviation has significantly decreased tourist activity in the region, causing concern among those involved in the sector.

    Meanwhile, in the popular hill station of Murree, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has proactively initiated snow clearing and garbage removal operations following the season’s first snowfall.

    The efforts of the RWMC have allowed motorists to move easily in and around Murree, ensuring normal traffic flow.

    RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar’s instructions to deploy additional workers during the snow season have proven effective in maintaining cleanliness despite the influx of visitors.

    The Murree district administration, under the directives of Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Abbas Sherazi, has finalized arrangements for the snowfall season.
    Tourists are being provided with weather updates and travel advisories at all entry points, with a special control room set up to facilitate inquiries and assistance.

    The district administration advises tourists to take necessary precautions, follow traffic rules, and stay informed about weather conditions before traveling to Murree.

    Strict actions are being taken against parking rules violators to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. In case of difficulties, tourists can seek assistance from dedicated tourist facilitation centers and the 24/7 operational control room.

  • Rain and snowfall finally on the way

    Rain and snowfall finally on the way

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Punjab has issued an alert to the administration about rains and snowfall incoming in the next week.

    From today to January 31, there is a possibility of rain in the plains of Punjab and snowfall in the hilly areas, the spokesperson of PDMA warned. There is also possibility of snowfall with light and heavy rain in Murree and Galiyat from the 27th to the 31st of January.

    Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, and Sargodha will also receive rain between January 30 and 31, the spokesperson added.

    As for snowfall, the spokesperson cautioned that in Murree and Galiyat it may worsen the road conditions. Tourists are advised not to travel without checking the weather conditions. There are chances of landslides in hilly areas which may block the roads.

    PDMA has issued instructions to the administration across Punjab to remain alert.

    There is a round-the-clock information exchange system between the provincial and national institutions. Rescue agencies are on round-the-clock alert in view of the weather situation. The administration has directed the tourists coming from abroad to be especially careful and ensure their safety, PDMA informed.