MINGORA, Feb 22: The residents of Shangla, Malamjabba and Kalam valleys, who are stranded in their areas due to recent rains and snowfall, face a severe shortage of essential commodities, particularly wheat flour, vegetables and medicines.  

The inhabitants of Kalam Valley told Dawn here on Thursday that due to heavy snowfall the people were unable to even move in their locality.

They criticized the government functionaries for their failure to clear the roads and reduce the problems of the people.

Talking to Dawn by telephone, provincial minister for agriculture and livestock Qari Mehmood said that the quarters concerned had been informed about the situation arising out of the heavy snowfall and rains in Swat.

To a question about shortage of bulldozers in Swat, he said that the matter had already been discussed with the authorities concerned of different departments.

The minister assured the people of Swat that the provincial government would take a prompt action for the solution of their problems.

Meanwhile, District Nazim Swat Dr Mehboobur Rehman has asked the departments concerned to clear the roads of snow without any further delay.

The Nazim also ordered all the employees of health department to remain present in their offices and attend to any mishap promptly. He also asked the police officers to remain alert and take all possible actions for the solution of people’s problems.

According to sources, only two bulldozers had been provided to the district government to clear snow from the Mingora-Kalam Road. With two bulldozers, it would take weeks before the road could be opened for traffic, the sources said.

The electricity supply to the areas had also been disrupted, the sources added.