GILGIT, Nov 15: Temperature in the hilly areas of the Northern Areas has dropped below the freezing point due to continuing heavy snowfall and intermittent rains.
Reports from Astore, Yasin, Gojal, Gupis, Baltistan, Hunza, Nagar and Phander say that the areas are in the grip of severe cold and snowfall and rains has brought life to a standstill.
Residents of several areas are said to be suffering due to shortage of firewood which is being sold at Rs260 per 40kg and liquefied petroleum gas at Rs80 per kg.
Power crisis in major towns of the region is at its worst.
The air link between Gilgit, Skardu and Islamabad has remained suspended over the past two days.
