MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy rain in the plain areas and snowfall in the mountain areas on Thursday, creating breathtaking views and a much-needed relief after a long drought.
The snowfall was received in the hilly areas of Haveli, Bagh, Rawalakot, Hattian Bala, Chakothi, Chinari, Neelum Valley, Jhelum Valley, Leepa Valley, Pir Chanasi, Toli Pir, Lasdna, Haji Pir, and Bhedi, while the plains received abundant rain.
Due to fresh rain and snow, the intensity of the cold has also increased.
As the tourists flocked to the region to enjoy the serene white-capped mountains and valleys, the road blockage issue also occurred in various areas creating hurdles for motorists.
As per details, the roads were closed due to snowfall in Leepa Valley, Grace Valley, and Chakothi and people were trapped in their homes. Lasagna-Toli Peer Road connecting Poonch was also closed due to snowfall. The highways department said that the track will be restored for traffic soon.
A large number of tourists and citizens were stuck in snow on the roads of various upper areas of the region. The Lasdana Mahmood Gali Road leading to Bagh was also closed, but the highway department has been opened for traffic.
The Mahmood Gali Abbaspur Road leading to Poonch has also been restored for traffic following a brief closure. The Abbaspur Chirikot Road, which is used as an alternative, is also available for traffic.
In addition, the Aliabad Haji Pir Track highway connecting Union Council Bhedi has also been closed, cutting off the UC’s contact with the district headquarters.
The Highways Department staff is busy opening the closed roads with machinery. Due to heavy snowfall, the restoration work could not start, an official said. The transport coming to Haveli from Islamabad at night was stuck at Lasdana due to the closure of the route.
The passengers were shifted to a nearby restaurant and rest house in Lasdana.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially at night, adding that accidents can occur due to slippage.
