MURREE: Landslides caused by heavy snowfall have damaged roads and homes in Murree and Kotli Sattian.

Eight homes were damaged in the Parhana village, on the border between Murree and Kotli Sattian, and another 10 were partially affected.

Six shops in Parhana on Murree-Kotli Road were destroyed as well. Around 10 homes in Bansra Gali village have also been damaged.

In both areas, residents have been forced to live outdoors, despite the severe cold and sometimes with small children.

Among those whose homes were damaged are Amir Abbasi, Fazil Abbasi, the widow of Tayasab Abbasi, Ansar Abbasi, Gul Nisar, Rabnawaz and others.

The only main road between Murree and Kotli Sattian near Bann has also been severely damaged and is closed to all kinds of traffic, making it difficult for people to move between these two areas.

Another link road in Kahya Bandi near Bhurban has also been damaged by landslides, and is now unable to cater to traffic. Some 5,000 people living in both villages depend on this road to get to Murree.

Similarly, the New Murree to Sehr Garan, Bagliyan, Bhamrot, Sanjh and Morri roads are also closed due to damage sustained by heavy landslides.

MPA retired Maj Latasab Satti visited Bansra Gali with the assistant commissioner and other officials and assured that those affected by landslides will be compensated.

He also directed the Murree Town administration to shift the affected families to the Improvement Trust rest-house and the Red Crescent building, which will serve as their temporary residence, and assured that the Punjab government will provide a month of food items.

He also assured that a retaining wall will be built on the natural nullah, which is a major cause of landslides in the area.

Murree Assistant Commissioner Imtiaz Kitchi said data is being collected on people whose homes were damaged for compensation.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2019