MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): As the clear, sunny weather has returned to Azad Kashmir following the snowfall which continued for two days, the authorities have begun operations to clear connecting roads across the region, which were closed to all traffic.
Due to heavy snowfall, roads in the Neelum Valley district, upper areas of Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley district, especially Leepa Valley, are closed. Similarly, the road conditions in Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhnoti districts are also affected.
According to the Highways Department of Azad Kashmir, the staff and heavy machinery have been deployed to affected areas, and snow-clearance operations are underway. Due to safety concerns, all major tourist destinations have been closed.
The Muzaffarabad-Neelum Road is available for traffic on the Muzaffarabad section, while the sections from Kel to Sharda and Kundal Shahi to Kattan (Katan Jagran Road) in Neelum Valley are closed for traffic.
Officials said that the main highway from Neelum Marble to Dost has been restored for traffic, while snow clearance work is continuing beyond Dost. The road sections from Nauseri to Athmuqam and from Athmuqam to Dowarian are open.
Various roads are also closed in Jhelum Valley, and the process of restoring electricity is underway. Leepa Valley, Leepa Moji, and Reshiyan Road are closed.
Various roads are also closed to traffic in the Bagh district, while the work of restoring electricity is also underway.
Travel from Muzaffarabad to Rawalpindi is currently possible; however, all tourist places in Murree have been closed. Roads leading to Ganga Choti, Pir Chanasi, Toli Pir, and Lasdana are also closed.
Authorities have advised citizens and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advisories until road conditions fully improve.
