Muzaffarabad: Snow and rain are falling over different parts of Azad Kashmir, causing a marked decrease in the temperature. Heavy snowfall has covered the Leepa Valley, Rawalakot, Toli Pir, Bilal Potha, and Haveli districts, besides other high-altitude areas. The snow has added to the beauty of the region, but it has also caused roadblocks and increased the risk of avalanches.
Leepa Valley Receives First Major Snowfall After Long Dry Spell
It is after weeks of extremely dry weather that Leepa Valley finally witnessed its first official snowfall of the season. The whole valley is under a white sheet of snow, bringing joy to the locals. The Meteorological Department has forecast further snowfall throughout the day.
The Reshian-Leepa Road, which links Leepa Valley with other areas, has received over a foot of snow, making it impassable for all types of traffic. The Highway Department said that road clearance operations would start once the weather improves. Authorities have asked residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel as the risk of avalanches in the area is very high.
Rain and Snowfall in Muzaffarabad
The capital city Muzaffarabad has also witnessed rain like other areas of Azad Kashmir, ending the long dry spell. The long dry cold prevailed for weeks which led many children and elderly persons to fall ill due to flu, fever, and throat infections. Salat-al-Istisqa (prayer for rain) has been offered in many areas, and late last night the region finally received much-needed rain, covering the nearby mountains in snow, therefore the intensity of the winter chill has increased.
Heavy Snowfall in Rawalakot, and Other Villages
At Rawalakot, there is continuous scattered snowfall over the surrounding hills, such as Toli Pir and Bilal Potha. However, gusty winds and light showers in the town have increased cold even more with each passing hour, making people’s lives challenging.
Haveli District receives its first snowfall; major highway blocked:
After a prolonged dry spell, Haveli district has also seen snow in its upper regions, while the city itself received rain. The cold weather has intensified, and the main highway connecting Haveli to other areas has been closed due to heavy snowfall since last night.
The authorities and the Highway Department have issued advisories, warning people in the area to stay away from the snow-covered roads; the authorities assure, though, that operations to clear off the streets will be done as soon as the weather improves.
The snowfall these past days brought an end to the dry spell and beautified the region even more, which attracted many tourists, but there is a need to get informed regarding the weather conditions to stay safe and avoid any mishaps.
