Snowstorm Hits Nathia Gali as Heavy Snowfall Continues
Heavy snowfall has transformed Nathia Gali into a winter wonderland as an intense snowstorm continues to grip the region, pushing temperatures below freezing and disrupting normal life across the Galiyat area.
According to local authorities, Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Jhanspur, and Changla Gali have recorded up to four feet of snowfall, while Ayubia alone received around three feet of snow. The relentless snowfall has blocked roads, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded and several tourists stuck in the area.
District administration officials said that rescue operations were placed on high alert as conditions worsened. Rescue 1122, police, district administration, and the Galiyat Development Authority have been mobilised, while leaves of staff have been cancelled with immediate effect to ensure uninterrupted emergency response.
Meanwhile, severe winter conditions have also affected parts of Balochistan, where temperatures in Chaman plunged to a record minus 10 degrees Celsius following heavy snowfall. The snowfall has blocked several key roads, cutting off Chaman from other parts of the province and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, snowfall continues in Chaman, Khojak Top, Khwaja Imran, Toba Achakzai, Qila Abdullah, Gulistan, Jangal Pir Alizai, Shela Bagh, and Mezai Adda. Khojak Top and Khwaja Imran recorded temperatures of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while Toba Achakzai saw temperatures drop to minus 4 degrees with snowfall measuring around one and a half feet.
Further north, Noshki and Qalat received their first snowfall of the winter season, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and intensifying the cold. In Noshki, snowfall was reported after a gap of eight years, covering surrounding mountains in a thick white blanket and creating scenic views. However, residents faced difficulties due to electricity outages amid freezing conditions.
Qalat city and its adjoining areas have also been experiencing continuous snowfall since last night, with the entire region blanketed in snow and temperatures falling steadily.
Widespread rain and snowfall have been reported across the country under a strong weather system, turning conditions cold in several regions. Intermittent rain continued in Lahore and other cities, causing a noticeable drop in temperature and wet conditions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a high alert, warning that the prevailing system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and heavy snowfall to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Authorities have advised residents, particularly in northern and mountainous areas, to avoid unnecessary travel as snowfall is expected to intensify during evening and night hours.
