Intense Rain and Snow Paralyze Northern Pakistan Areas

Intense downpours and heavy snow throughout Pakistan's northern belt have caused mercury levels to plunge, stalling daily activities and complicating transit in multiple districts.

Official reports confirm two fatalities in Murree, where fierce winds and lashing rain led to a tragic weather-linked accident.

Hail and Landslides Impact Murree

Murree remained under a steady barrage of hailstorms today, while saturated soil triggered landslides in the outskirts. Vital thoroughfares, such as the link road connecting Lawrence College Road to Pangan Dhak Jhika Gali, have been cut off. Authorities noted that these obstructions have stranded both locals and tourists, though teams are currently working to clear the paths.

Precipitation and Snow Cover Gilgit-Baltistan

Intermittent rain has persisted across Diamer and neighboring Gilgit-Baltistan sectors since yesterday. Heavy snowfall has blanketed high-altitude peaks like Babusar Top, Batoga Top, and Nanga Parbat, significantly sharpening the cold wave gripping the province.

Karakoram Highway Faces Obstructions

Downpours in Upper and Lower Kohistan have forced mountain streams to overflow, resulting in landslides that have choked portions of the Karakoram Highway near Chilas. The artery also faced temporary closures at Zaid Khara in Upper Kohistan. Emergency crews using heavy equipment are on-site to remove debris and resume the flow of traffic.

Extended Forecast for Rain and Snow

Meteorologists have cautioned that another wave of rain and snow is projected for Gilgit-Baltistan between April 1 and April 4, increasing the threat of further landslides. Citizens and travelers are urged to postpone non-essential trips and adhere to safety protocols while this severe weather system remains active.

Flooding and Outages in Kotli

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Kotli has been hit by torrential rain and hail, throwing life out of gear. Multiple neighborhoods are facing power blackouts, while rising water levels have inundated low-lying sectors. Several city streets are currently underwater, looking more like ponds than roads due to the heavy accumulation.