A new spell of rain and snowfall is expected to grip parts of Punjab between February 1 and 3, bringing a new bout of winter in the province.
According to the weather forecast, it is going to rain in upper parts of Punjab from the first of February. Areas comprising of the Potohar region, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat and Gujranwala are likely to receive a good amount of rainfall. Meanwhile, Murree and the Galyat will be receiving new snowfall which will once again amplify the cold weather in the hill stations.
The fresh spell is at a time when Murree is already reeling under the heaviest snowfall it has received in the past 20 years. The hill station has recently received a massive snow storm.
The massive snowfall has caused great problems in mobility and the daily life of thousands of local residents and tourists. Vehicles have been stuck in various parts of Murree and rescue operations to safely evacuate vehicles are being carried out at large scale by the authorities.
Rescue teams, police and traffic personnel have been deployed in various areas. They are using heavy machinery to get roads cleared and help trapped people.
To keep the risk of skidding down to a minimum, salt is being scattered on key routes. Officials said roads are getting reopened gradually, based on the intensity of the snowfall and visibility.
In view of the volatile situation, authorities imposed a ban over the tourists travelling to Murree. Repeated warnings have been made citing that the combination of congestion and icy roads and low visibility is a serious safety hazard. Visitors already stranded in the area are being facilitated so that they can return safely when ways become passable.
Also read: Heaviest snowfall in 20-years hits Murree
