Murree has received the heaviest snowfall in 20 years. Currently, Murree is experiencing a snowstorm which has broken a 20-year record. Snow is accumulating in different parts of Murree and has reportedly reached up to 5 feet in some places. The snowstorm has significantly disrupted mobility and daily life.
In the current situation thousands of both local and tourist vehicles are stranded across Murree. Rescue operations have been launched to safely evacuate 5,000 vehicles from Murree.
Authorities said that rescue teams, police and traffic personnel have been deployed at multiple points, and they are being supported by heavy machinery to clear roads and rescue the stuck people.
To reduce skidding risk salt is also being spread on key routes. According to Officials roads are being reopened in phases, reopening of roads is however, dependent upon the intensity of the snowfall and visibility.
Due to the volatile situation the officials have also imposed a ban on tourists travelling to Murree. Repeated warnings have been given by authorities that congestion combined with icy roads and low visibility is a very dangerous safety hazard.
The visitors who are already stuck in Murree are being facilitated as much as possible so that they can return safely when routes become passable.
Reportedly an earlier official alert and precautionary steps helped reduce the number of incoming tourists. The estimates suggest that around 10,000 visitors were present at peak periods across the Murree GPO areas and nearby localities.
Essential services have been affected by the snowfall. Life in peripheral areas has been severely disrupted according to reports. In parts of Murree electricity has been fully cut off and the internet service also remains partially suspended.
The Punjab government has also advised people not to travel to Murree in the current scenario. The government urged people not to travel to Murree as it is currently not safe and many vehicles are already stuck there.
Also read: Punjab government advises tourists to avoid visiting Murree amid heavy snowfall
