OWING to climate change for the last many years record-breaking cold weather over northern tips of the US and Europe is being witnessed as temperature dropped to minus 48 degree Celsius, causing deaths.

Some valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan have also been experiencing harsh winters since the end of January with temperature dropping to minus 20 degree Celsius, paralysing life.

In Pakistan, winter rains and snowfall over the hills are caused by western disturbances that mostly remain inactive and winter is usually dry. Resultantly, remote villages across the mountainous valleys face acute water shortage which badly damage crops and plants. In some areas even clean drinking water sources are diminishing.

However, this January remained wet and the country received above normal rainfall and heavy snowfall in higher elevations. The meteorological department has forecast more rains and snowfall in coming months.

This unusual rain and snowfall is a blessing of God as it will eventually alleviate water scarcity across the country. But excess of everything is bad as GB is a mountainous region; some villages and roads are vulnerable and hazardous to avalanche, floods and landslides. Unnecessary travelling need to be curbed and residents should be alert in case of any natural disaster.

In addition, protective walls should be constructed along the bank of unsafe rivers and streams as there is a chance of inundation and land erosion because of high snow melting in summer.

GB local administrations should create awareness and activate its workers and volunteers.

Karim Muhammad Khan

Pakora village, GB

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2019