ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Severe snowfall and rain have badly disrupted daily life in Pakistan’s upper regions, leaving key roads blocked and triggering shortages of food and fuel in several areas.
In Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan, roads closed due to heavy snowfall have yet to be reopened. Tragically, a sick man from a remote village died before he could be transported to a hospital, highlighting the challenges faced by residents amid prolonged road blockages.
Meanwhile, life has come to a standstill in upper and border areas of Balochistan, including Chaman, Qila Abdullah, and Ziarat. Continuous snowfall has cut off land routes, leaving dozens of villages—such as Toba Achakzai and Toba Kakari—isolated. Residents remain confined to their homes as supplies of essential food items and fuel continue to dwindle.
According to control room officials, helicopters remain the only available means of delivering relief to some inaccessible areas.
In Azad Kashmir, snowfall in the Neelum Valley has stopped; however, the main highway remains blocked up to Taobat due to landslides and snow accumulation. Power supply has also been suspended in 13 villages of Nakyal, adding to residents’ hardships.
Authorities say efforts are underway to restore blocked roads in upper areas of Swat, where snow clearance operations are currently in progress.
Officials have urged residents to remain cautious as adverse weather conditions continue to pose serious challenges in mountainous regions.