UPPER DIR: The Zakhana mountain range in Upper Dir received the first snowfall of the winter on Thursday night, turning the weather chilly in the plain areas.

Many parts of the district also received heavy rain and hailstorm, which damaged the standing crops and fruit orchards.

Snow fell on the Lowari top, Doobando, Thal, Kumrat, and others areas, while Sadiq Banda, Panakot, Dir, Usheri Dara, and various other areas received heavy rain coupled with hailstorm.

Silt brought on by rain blocked link roads in Dir city and adjacent areas. A house was also partially damaged when a landslide fell on it.

Imran Saeed, a resident of Dir city, said they visited the Doobando area and witnessed light snowfall on mountains, which was unexpected in October.

People brought out warm clothes after the rain and snow. The local residents complained of shortage of firewood at the timber selling stalls.

Meanwhile, the local Met office said the Dir city received 43 millimeter rain.

It has also forecast more rain in the district till Sunday.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2019