PESHAWAR: Heavy snowfall continues in the upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, further intensifying the cold weather. During the period, several incidents of people going missing were reported, however, the missing three horsemen in Balakot, a tourist destination in Mansehra district, have been rescued after a major rescue operation. According to rescue service on Sunday, three local horsemen who went missing due to heavy snowfall at Siri Paye were safely rescued. The area had received up to six feet of snow, forcing the individuals to take shelter in a temporary refuge. After a 16-hour-long rescue operation, the stranded people were evacuated safely. The operation involved Tourist Police, district police, rescue teams and local volunteers, who worked together despite harsh weather conditions. APP
The rescued individuals were locals who provide horse-riding services to tourists at Siri and Paye. Their contact with family members had been cut off due to the severe snowfall.
Meanwhile, after an improvement in road conditions, the Hazara Expressway (E-35) from Burhan to Thakot has been reopened for all types of traffic. The motorway was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of commuters.
