Heavy snowfall, rain ravage KP: schools closed for one week

PESHAWAR: The recent rain and snow spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has wreaked havoc transforming several areas into a scene of chaos and tragedy, with reports of blockages, casualties, and widespread disruption.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CLOSED AS SNOW BLOCKS ROADS

The blockage of roads due to heavy snowfall has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures, including the closure of educational institutions for a period of five days.

Students and teachers alike find themselves confined within the safety of their homes, as venturing out becomes a perilous endeavor amidst the treacherous weather conditions.

According to District Education Officer Malik Tanveer, the decision to suspend educational activities stems from the difficulty faced by children in commuting to schools amidst the inclement weather.

LOSS OF LIVES AND PROPERTY

Tragically, the adverse weather has claimed the lives of seven individuals while injuring five others. Among the deceased are five children, a woman, and a man, as reported by rescue officials. Additionally, several animals perished in roof collapse incidents across various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Financial losses have also been incurred due to roof collapses, further exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in the region.

The remote Lipa Valley finds itself cut off from the mainland due to snowfall and landslides, rendering its inhabitants isolated and vulnerable. Passengers and citizens alike grapple with the closure of roads in Wadi Lipa, adding to the woes of an already beleaguered populace.

In Peshawar, relentless rainfall has led to significant accumulations, with the Meteorological Department recording 68 mm thus far. The highest rainfall on record in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at 93 mm, underscoring the severity of the weather phenomenon.

As the region braces for further precipitation, the Meteorological Department predicts a continuation of rains in Peshawar, exacerbating the existing challenges faced by residents. Snowfall persists in the hilly districts, with Kalam recording the highest snowfall at 26 inches.

CLOSURE OF KARAKORAM HIGHWAY

The closure of the Karakoram Highway at various points due to landslides further compounds transportation woes, leaving hundreds of tourist vehicles stranded. Police authorities report landslides in Upper Kohistan and closure of the Karakoram Highway in Chilas, exacerbating the challenge of rehabilitation efforts amidst the ongoing inclement weather.

As Khyber Pakhtunkhwa grapples with the aftermath of nature’s fury, communities and authorities alike remain vigilant, bracing for the challenges ahead and endeavoring to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions.

Weather update: Heavy rainfall expected across Sindh, KP and Gilgit-Baltistan to experience increased snowfall