ABBOTTABAD / MANSEHRA, Jan 5: Snowfall and rain in earthquake-hit areas of Mansehra and Battagram districts multiplied the problems and health risks to the survivors, particularly women and children.

Abbottabad city and its adjoining areas were also in the grip of severe cold weather because of continuing snowfall and rain.

One to two feet of snowfall was reported in the hilly areas of Thandyani, Nathiagali, Ayubia, Changla Gali and Donga Gali.

According to police sources, the road link between Abbottabad and Changla Gali had been restored.

Election campaign in the Galyat and other hilly areas also stopped.

In the earthquake-hit region, rain and snowfall began in the hilly areas on Saturday morning and continued till the evening, increasing difficulties for the survivors in Balakot, Allai, Jabory, Naran, Kaghan and adjoining areas as shelters and prefabricated houses proved insufficient to save the families from the biting cold.

Most of the patients taken to hospitals in Oghi, Balakot, Battagram and Mansehra suffered from acute respiratory track infection.

People also faced problems in reaching the hospitals because of massive landslides. Several roads were blocked in Siran, Konsh, Kaghan and Allai valleys.

Gilgit was also in the grip of severe cold.

APP adds: A meteorological department official said in Islamabad that although various parts of the country had received intermittent rain on Saturday, it was expected that La Nina effect would have a strong influence on the weather for the next few months, resulting in less rains.