MURREE (Kashmir English): Record-breaking snowfall and a severe snowstorm since Thursday evening have disrupted life in Murree and surrounding areas on Friday, promoting authorites to take strict measures to face any untoward situation.
Following the high influx of tourists in the hill station, the district administration imposed a complete ban on the entry of further vehicles to facilitate the rescue and safe evacuation of stranded tourists.
The metrological department said that some areas in Murree had received up to two feet of snow until Friday afternoon. While the met office forecast of 12 to 20 inches of snowfall in Murree and the surrounding areas tonight.
The authorities on Friday launched a large-scale rescue operation for more than 5,000 stranded tourist vehicles. Under the chief minister’s directives, food and essential supplies are being distributed to tourists to ensure their safety in emergencies.
Entry of vehicles banned
Considering the situation, Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Shirazi said that a restriction had been placed on the entry of vehicles in the city in view of the weather situation.
District Police Officer (DPO) Murree, Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra, said that stranded tourists should not panic as police and the district administration were present on the ground.
District Emergency Officer Kamran Rashid said that some vehicles got stuck at Chitta Mor and near Mussiaree on the Murree Expressway, but they had been rescued.
The National Highways and Motorway Police also deployed a heavy contingent and vehicles on the Murree Expressway and N-75, with senior officers supervising rescue and traffic operations. Snow-clearing machinery remained active to keep routes open where possible.
