District administrations remained engaged in clearing snow from blocked roads to restore traffic flow
PESHAWAR
Heavy rain has lashed various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, while snowfall continues in the province’s mountainous regions, intensifying the cold weather and disrupting daily life.
In Peshawar, persistent rain has caused urban drains to overflow, exposing the poor condition of the city’s drainage system. Several key roads, including Warsak Road, GT Road, and Charsadda Road, witnessed severe traffic jams, bringing routine life to a standstill. Prolonged electricity load shedding across the city further added to public hardships.
According to a statement issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rain accompanied by snowfall has been continuing since morning in Upper and Lower Dir, causing temperatures to drop sharply.
District administrations remained engaged in clearing snow from blocked roads to restore traffic flow. Meanwhile, the prices of firewood have surged in the affected areas.
Heavy snowfall in the Tirah Valley has blocked mountainous routes, leaving vehicles stranded in snow bound areas.
In Hangu and Orakzai districts, heavy rainfall and snowfall in areas including Kalaya, Daburi, and Samana have made weather conditions extremely cold.
Residents were facing severe difficulties due to gas shortages and extended electricity load shedding, with power outages lasting up to 18 hours in some areas.
In Swat, rain was reported in Mingora and surrounding localities, while snowfall continues in Malam Jabba, Kalam, and Mahodand, further lowering temperatures.
Similarly, in Upper Dir rain persists in the plains, while snowfall continues in upper regions including Ashiri Valley, Kumrat, Jaz Banda, Lowari, and Dogdara.
The combined effect of rain and snowfall has significantly increased the intensity of cold across the region.
Authorities have advised citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in snow-affected areas.
It is pertinent to mention here that the PDMA had warned of rain and snowfall in the upper areas of KP from January 21 to 24, accompanied by strong westerly winds.
The authority has indicated that water levels in the Kabul River and its tributaries may rise due to heavy rainfall, posing a flash flood risk in districts including Swat, Chitral, Dir, Buner, and Shangla.
Authorities have directed all concerned district administrations to remain alert, particularly in low-lying and sensitive areas, and to implement preventive measures.
