MANSEHRA: The upper parts of Khyber Pakhunkhwa received snowfall and most of the plain areas got heavy downpour on Thursday, turning the weather chilly.

The upper parts of Hazara division received snowfall while rain lashed plains. The snowfall began in Kaghan, Konsh and Siren valleys and other high-altitude areas in the division in the early hours and continued intermittently throughout the day, causing a significant drop in temperature.

The link roads connecting remote villages to Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad road and other main arteries were blocked due to snowfall, disrupting traffic.

The residents of Kaghan, who had migrated to Garhi Habibullah and other lower parts of Hazara division, told journalists that unlike previous years, the valley had not received heavy snowfall since the start of the winter season in mid-November.

Downpour in plains breaks long dry spell

Meanwhile, Mansehra, Torghar, Kolai-Palas, Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan experienced heavy rainfall, breaking a prolonged dry spell. The rain, which started on Wednesday night, continued intermittently throughout the next day, flooding streets and roads and disrupted traffic flow in several areas.

In Abbottabad, several hilly areas including Thandiyani, Nathiagali and Ayubia received heavy snowfall. The snowfall started in Galiyats and Thandiyani on Wednesday evening and continued till late afternoon of Thursday with intervals. One feet snow was reported in Thandiyani and at least nine inches in Galiyats.

Besides Rescue 1122, snow removing staff of GDA and police were clearing Abbottabad-Muree road. Police and GDA staff facilitated stranded tourists at different points. Due to heavy rain and breezy winds, temperature was dropped to below freezing point in Abbottabad.

In Battagarm, the fresh spell of rain and snowfall on Thursday night brought a welcome respite to people.

The precipitation, accompanied by cold winds, lashed various localities including Battagram, Ajmera, Chappargram, Peshora, Shamlai, Batamori, Kuzabanda, Miarani and areas in tehsils of Allai, Gantar, Roopkanai, Pashto, Tandol, Bateela and Rashang besides Galey Maidan and Srei Oba.

In Swat, snowfall and rain started on Wednesday night and continued throughout Thursday, captivating visitors and causing challenges for locals.

Snow blanketed Malam Jabba, Gabin Jabba, Bahrain, Mankiyal, Kalam, Utror, Matiltan, Jarogo and Elum mountains, while all the plains of Swat saw consistent rainfall. In a rare occurrence, snowfall was recorded for the first time in the mountains of Charbagh and Khwazakhela tehsils.

In Shangla, heavy snowfall blanketed the mountains and presented scenic view that attracted nature lovers in a large number.

Tourists spots Alpuri, Yakhtangay, Shangla Top, Ajmeer, Lilownai, Pir Khana, Damorai, Shahpur, Kandaw, Chakesar, Gamtal and other areas received three to eight inches of snow.

Upper Chitral and some valleys of Lower Chitral received snowfall intermittently during the last 24 hours on Thursday while vehicular traffic on the approach road of Lowari tunnel remained suspended for more than five hours.

The valleys of Broghil, Yarkhoon, Rech, Terich, Khot and Oveer in Upper Chitral while Madak Lasht, Golen, Karimabad, Arkari, Gobor and Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumber received six to 10 inches snow.

The roads of Arkari, Karimabad, Gobor and Kalash valleys remained closed to traffic on Thursday while Chitral-Shandur road, connecting the lower and upper parts of Chitral was open to all kinds of traffic.

In Lower and Upper Dir districts fresh spell of rain and snowfall disrupting daily life. The hilltops of Shahi, Bin Shahi, Laram, Sheen Ghar and Kalpani Maidan in Lower Dir along with Lowari Top, Kumrat, Doog Dara, Usherai Dara and Barawal in Upper Dir were blanketed by snow. Persistent rainfall in the plains further lowered temperature.

Bajaur district also witnessed the much needed rain to end the several months long drought spell on Thursday.

The rain started on Wednesday evening and continued till Thursday across the district. Most of the hilly areas of the district also received snow.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2025