Widespread travel disruption and power outages have struck the Hazara region after continuous heavy snowfall, reaching up to four feet in some parts, led to the closure of major routes and left numerous visitors stranded in the popular Galiyats tourist area.
According to a report today, the city of Abbottabad experienced its first significant winter precipitation in nine years, while the hill station of Thandiyani was blanketed in at least four feet of snow. Other popular destinations, including Nathia Gali, Donga Gali, Ayubia, and Changla Gali, recorded what was reported as their heaviest snowfall, with accumulations between three and four feet.
The severe weather, accompanied by rain and breezy winds, caused temperatures in Abbottabad and surrounding hilly areas to plummet below freezing point. A major power supply disruption affected various parts of Abbottabad city from Thursday midnight until it was restored around 12:30 PM on Friday.
Due to the heavy accumulation, authorities have closed the Abbottabad to Murree road from Bagnother to Barian. Abbottabad traffic police have also halted all vehicle movement from Harno and Barian towards the Galiyats, where all link roads are completely impassable for traffic.
In response to the crisis, a multi-agency operation is underway, involving Rescue 1122, the Galiyats Development Authority (GDA), and local police and district administration. The efforts are being supervised by senior officials, including Assistant Commissioner Afrasiyab and GDA Director General Muhammad Fawad.
On the directive of DIG Hazara Nasir Mahmood Satti, police have established assistance and information centres along routes leading to tourist destinations. Law enforcement personnel are reportedly working around the clock, providing tyre chains, assisting stranded vehicles with recovery units, and distributing food and drinks to travellers. DIG Satti instructed officers to provide all possible travel and safety facilities to visitors, stating the effort was intended to raise the morale of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
Traffic police have issued an advisory urging all tourists to postpone travel to the Galiyats until the roads are cleared of snow. The public is also strongly advised to avoid travelling after sunset and to ensure their vehicles are fitted with tyre chains if travel is essential.