ABBOTTABAD: A fresh spell of heavy snowfall in the scenic Galiyat region and Thandiani has severely disrupted daily life, forcing the closure of roads, crippling communication systems, and causing a sharp drop in temperatures across Abbottabad. The district administration has issued a strong travel advisory, urging citizens and tourists to avoid unnecessary movement toward the snowbound areas.
Intermittent but intense snowfall has continued since late last night in Nathiagali, Ayubia, Miranjani, and the surrounding mountainous belt of Thandiani, where snow accumulation has crossed one foot in several locations. The entire landscape - mountains, forests, roads, pathways, and residential and commercial centers - has been blanketed in thick layers of snow, creating picturesque yet hazardous conditions.
In Abbottabad city, persistent rainfall has further intensified the cold weather, significantly lowering temperatures and adding to the discomfort of residents. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority has deployed heavy machinery to clear snow from the Murree Road. However, ongoing snowfall is hampering clearance operations, while salt is being spread on slippery stretches to reduce the risk of accidents.
Due to the heightened threat of landslides, particularly after 5:00 pm, the Baryan to Nathiagali road has been closed for all traffic in Tauheedabad and adjoining areas. The district administration has strictly discouraged non-essential travel to Galiyat and Thandiani, with vehicles being escorted under precautionary measures where movement is unavoidable. According to official sources, the Abbottabad–Nathiagali Murree Road has been closed for tourists, while local residents are allowed passage only after identity verification.
Authorities report snow accumulation ranging between one and one-and-a-half feet in Nathiagali and Thandiani. All link roads in both areas remain blocked, leaving residents stranded within their localities. The snowfall has also disrupted power and communication networks, plunging several areas into darkness. Many access roads had not been fully restored following the previous spell of snowfall when this new weather system struck, further aggravating the difficulties faced by people in adjacent areas.
Earlier, the performance of the Communication and Works (C&W) Department, Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), and the Kite Project had drawn criticism, as several link roads remained uncleared for days. While the district administration maintains that machinery from C&W, GDA, and the Kite Project is currently engaged in snow-clearing operations, officials have acknowledged that the task remains challenging as even the main Murree and Thandiani roads have yet to be fully restored.
The administration has once again appealed to tourists and residents to refrain from unnecessary travel and has issued emergency contact numbers to deal with any untoward situation. Reports have also emerged of people stranded in parts of Nathiagali, Ayubia, and Thandiani, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
