January 08, 2008	Tuesday	Zilhaj 28, 1428

PESHAWAR, Jan 7: Heavily overcast conditions prevailed across the Frontier province and tribal areas with large parts receiving more rain and snowfall on Monday.

At least 11 millimetres of rain has been recorded in Peshawar during the past three days, while the meteorological department forecast more rain and snowfall in the next three days.

The Lower Dir district received heavy snowfall for the third day, plunging the temperature to minus 2 degrees Celsius.

About 14 to 18 inches of snow fell in Samar Bagh, Maidan, Talash and Adenzai. An intense cold had gripped the district, affecting the daily life and keeping the people confined to their homes.

The wet conditions also worsened the power and gas crises. The bazaars remained deserted while thin traffic plied on the roads.

Massive landslides triggered by snowfall and rains over the past three days blocked Mansehra’s road link to Kaghan, Naran and adjoining areas, cutting off over 50,000 earthquake survivors from the rest of the country.

Officials told Dawn that a landslide had blocked the Balakot-Naran road near Kanghian and other link roads in the area, multiplying the people’s problems. The continuing rain and snowfall brought the temperature down to zero degree Celsius.

According to our correspondent in Abbotabad, two to three feet of snowfall was reported on the upper hills of Thandiyani, Nathiagali, especially Mera Jani and Musaa ka Musallah in the Galyat, while in Nathiagali, Ayubia, Changla Gali and Donga Gali, one to two feet of snowfall was recorded. The road from Abbottabad to Nathiagali was open for light traffic.

Due to slippery road, only vehicles with chains on the tyres could move to Nathiagali from Kalabagh.

The road link from Abbottabad to Thandiyani was closed from Kala Pani. The road from Nathiagali to Murree and Ayubia was also closed, causing food shortage in Changla Gali area.

A report from Khar said that mountains were covered with snow after three days of intermittent rains and heavy snowfall in Bajaur Agency. The weather turned chilly as heavily overcast conditions prevailed with downpour in many areas. Snow also fell in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram Agency, and North and South Waziristan.

The widespread rain also lashed Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and other areas, making the weather freezing cold.