MANSEHRA/UPPER DIR: Higher reaches of Hazara division and Upper Dir district on Wednesday received first snowfall of the season while rain lashed the plains.

The rain and snowfall, which started early on Wednesday in Mansehra, Torghar, and Kohistan districts, continued intermittently the entire day bringing the region under a severe grip of cold.

The Kaghan valley, Serve valley in Mansehra and Kandia valley in Upper Kohistan received heavy snowfall.

Snowfall in Kaghan valley also blocked the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road.

Meanwhile, it started snowing at Lowari Top, Dobando, Qulandi, Kumrat, Doog Darra, Brawal and other areas of Upper Dir district early on Wednesday and continued throughout the day with intervals. Three to seven inches of snow fell in these areas, while Dir city, Panakot, Darora, Wari, Brawal, Sheringal, Akhgram, and other plain areas received rain. The rain and snow turned the weather chilly. The people also faced problems getting firewood.

More rain and snowfall have been forecast in the district till Sunday. The Dir city received about 20mm rain and minimum temperature was recorded at five degree Celsius, according to the Met office.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2019