CHITRAL, March 21: Avalanche flattened eight houses and caused partial damage to several others in Shagrom village of Terich union council here on Wednesday, police said.

They said that two mosques were also affected while people had fled to a nearby village in view of danger of more such incidents. The traffic to the valley is suspended for last two weeks because of blocked roads amid rains and snowfall.

In Awi village near Booni town, a small hydel power station was also washed away by an avalanche.

NAUROZE FESTIVAL: The Nauroze festival, locally called as ‘pathak dik’, was marred by extended rains in the Lotkoh and Mastuj valleys of Chitral. The festival is celebrated on March 21 every year to welcome spring season.

In Chitral district the festival is usually celebrated in Ismaili-dominated areas, including Karimabad, Arkari, Garam Chashma and Mastuj.

On this occasion, people decorate their houses, visit each other and exchange gifts.

Syed Rehan of Garam Chashma valley told this correspondent on phone that due to the inclement weather in the valley the residents were confined to their houses and as such there was no celebrations like past.