NARAN (Kashmir English): Naran, a hilltop in KP’s Mansehra district, and Kaghan Valley received the first snowfall of the winter season on Tuesday, November 04, ending a prolonged dry spell.
With happiness among locals and tourists, the snowfall spell also caused some problems as it blocked roads at several points, leaving hundreds stranded.
The intermittent snowfall continues in areas, including Batta Kundi, Besar Lake, Lulusar Lake, and Lake Saif-ul-Malook, attracting a large number of tourists.
Meanwhile, Abbottabad and other areas in Mansehra district have experienced heavy rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms since noon, dropping the temperature.
Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) teams have been deployed at key tourist spots to guide and assist visitors arriving to witness the snowfall. The teams are also trying to ensure the safety of tourists and maintain smooth access during adverse weather conditions.
Authorities have advised travelers to exercise caution due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by the ongoing weather conditions.
On the other hand, more than 50 passengers were rescued after they were stranded due to heavy snowfall on the Reshian-Leepa Road in Leepa Valley.
According to reports, four vehicles, including two buses, were trapped near Dao Khan village after sudden snowfall blocked the route.
The stranded passengers, facing severe cold, were rescued in a timely operation conducted by the Pakistan Army’s Leepa Guards.
As per details, one of the passenger buses narrowly escaped an accident due to the slippage caused by snowfall. The bus was going from Muzaffarabad to Leepa when it crashed into a side safety wall near Moji Sher Gali. The bus was carrying 25 passengers, including 8 women.
The authorities immediately dispatched rescue teams and shifted the stranded passengers to safer locations.
