Heavy snowfall wreaks havoc in Pakistan’s northern areas, kills 21

Murree: At least 21 people have been killed after heavy snowfall covered Murree and other northern areas of Pakistan on Saturday, hampering traffic and disrupting public transportation. 

As per details, thousands of tourists entered the hill station on Friday to enjoy the weather after the area received heavy snowfall—causing heavy traffic jams on Murree-Islamabad Motorway.  

Police revealed most of the people have been killed due to shivering cold. Among the victims, four were friends and were visiting Murree from Mardan. 

As per authorities, Islamabad Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Naveed along his seven family members, including wife and five children lost their lives after being stuck in their vehicles for several hours amidst brutal snowfall. 

They died of cold while spending the night in their car amid huge traffic jam. 

Reports quoting rescue sources said that 16 dead bodies were recovered from 4 vehicles at Kludna road. More than 100,000 cars had entered Murree in recent days to see the unusually heavy snowfall. 

The area has now been declared a "disaster area", Punjab province chief minister's office said, urging people to stay at home.

Several areas reported power cuts and damages to buildings and cars due to falling trees. 

The icy conditions saw a passenger van skidding across the roads and getting stuck while ploughs were being used to pull them out. 

However, authorities have decided to close all kind of traffic going towards uplands, in a bid to avoid further traffic jam. 

The federal administration has deployed Pakistan-Army personnel and other civil-armed forces after 19 people died in their vehicles. 

Emergency services have been assisting authorities in the cleanup operation, while another alert for more snow and ice has been issued.

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Saturday confirmed that 16 to 19 people have lost their lives due to snowstorm in Murree and other northern areas. 

As per local administration, rain and blizzards are forecast tonight in and around Murree, with thunderstorms at a speed of 50-90 kmph and heavy snowfall. 

The administration, hence, warned citizens not to leave their homes or turn to Murree as severe weather conditions are likely to continue till late at night. 

In the meantime, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also turned to twitter urged people to postpone their upland tour plans for a few days due to heavy traffic jam there.  

The minister further added that it was impossible for the local administration to facilitate them