Three consecutive holidays announced for schools amid harsh weather

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

According to the notification issued by the Education Department, all educational institutions will remain closed from March 04, to March 06, 2025.

Similarly, schools in five districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including in Neelum Valley, will also be closed due to the blizzard. The weather-related closures aimed at ensuring the safety of students, as the ongoing snowfall and freezing conditions have made travel hazardous.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and local administration are working to clear roads and restore normalcy.

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.