Schools closed due to heavy snowfall in Galyat

ABBOTTABAD: Authorities have announced the closure of schools for three days due to heavy snowfall and snowfall in Galyat.

The Education Department has issued a notification in this regard. Intermittent rain and snowfall continue in the mountainous areas of Galyat and nearby areas of Murree. In addition, power supply has been suspended in Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Thandiani and Changla Gali.

Director General of Galyat Development Authority Shahrukh Ali confirmed that relief operations are underway.

He said that all roads in Galyat are being cleared, and efforts are being made to reopen the main highway connecting Abbottabad to Murree.

He added that due to the severe weather, the entry of tourists has been banned and those who have come are being sent back.

Earlier, the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) had issued a weather advisory warning that a powerful westerly wave will affect different parts of Pakistan from February 24 to March 1.

The approaching system is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, hail and significant snowfall over the northern and western parts of the country.

The advisory highlights the potential for several areas to be affected. Islamabad, Upper Punjab, Potohar region, and Central and South/Northeast Punjab are forecast to experience rain, wind and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall or hail. The NEOC has warned of the possibility of flooding in vulnerable areas due to heavy rain.

Balochistan is also likely to experience rain, wind and thunderstorms, with snowfall possible in the mountains in the western, northwestern and northern parts of the province. Flooding in sensitive areas is a concern.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to witness similar conditions, including rain, wind, thunderstorms and hail, over the upper and western parts, especially in Malakand and Hazara divisions. Heavy rains in northern KP have increased the risk of flooding and landslides.