PDMA forecasts season’s first snowfall in Murree; authorities prepare for tourist Influx

Islamabad: In anticipation of the season’s first snowfall, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a forecast for Murree and surrounding areas, with the snowfall expected to commence on Tuesday morning, January 9.

The weather in Murree, Galyat, and nearby regions is predicted to turn cold and dry, with temperatures dropping further following rain and snowfall on Monday and Wednesday, a spokesperson from PDMA told a private news channel.

In response to a query about the tragic events of January 2022, when 22 lives were lost due to a snowstorm that left many stranded on the roads around Murree, he said the authorities have been diligently working to prevent a recurrence. The disaster was attributed to the negligence of local authorities, allowing an excessive number of vehicles (over 13,000) into Murree, surpassing its capacity of 4,000, the spokesperson maintained.

To mitigate such risks, he noted that the administration of Murree has taken proactive measures. Last week, three facilitation centers for tourists were set up, and this number has now been increased to 13. The focus is on ensuring the safety of visitors, particularly those arriving in their cars, said the spokesperson.

Authorities are keen to avoid a repeat of the 2022 tragedy, he said, emphasizing the importance of responsible management and adherence to capacity limits to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents in the picturesque hill station.

Meanwhile, travelers, accompanied by families primarily arriving from various districts of Central Punjab and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were observed in significant numbers in the valleys of Kalam, Madain, Bahrain, and Malam Jabba in Upper Swat. This occurred amidst light to moderate rains and snowfall, resulting in a notable drop in temp.