MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Advisor State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Ahmed Sagheer, on Friday said that Rescue 1122 has safely rescued 81 tourists who were stranded in Pir Chinasi, a famous tourist destination near Muzaffarabad, due to heavy snowfall.
While giving a detailed briefing to the media, he said that affected families in Leepa Valley have also been shifted to safe places and provided initial assistance.
He said that the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the SDMA are continuously working to resolve all the issues faced by giving top priority to the protection of life and property of the people.
“Despite snowfall and bad weather conditions across Azad Kashmir, the situation is completely under control, and all institutions are on alert at all times,” Sagheer told reporters.
The advisor appreciated the performance of the SDMA, Rescue 1122, and the district administration and said that all the institutions are working in complete coordination.
As per the prevailing weather situation, the snowfall continues in Poonch district, including the suburban areas of Rawalakot, breaking the 20-year record of snowfall.
Due to snowfall, Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Rawalakot, Bagh, and surrounding areas are experiencing severe cold, while there is also a risk of slippage on the roads.
The intensity of snowfall is extremely high in the tourist destinations of Toli Pir, Lasdna, Shaheed Gul Bilal Potha, and the surrounding areas, where the snow layer has exceeded 8 feet.
Due to heavy snowfall, all major and connecting roads across the district have been closed, while the power transmission system has also been completely suspended. As a result of the snowstorm, the life system has been paralyzed, and the citizens are confined to their homes.
The SDMA has issued a red alert in view of a possible emergency, and the public has been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel, stay in safe places, and take precautionary measures.
