GILGIT – Cold wave has continued to grip upper parts of Gilgit Baltistan amid snowfall coupled with intermittent rain, adding to woes for residents.
According to reports received here, snowfall and rain entered into third consecutive day and most parts of the GB especially hilly areas are covered with white snow and mercy has dipped to below freezing level.
Approach roads to various localities in the upper parts were covered with a thick layer of snow, disconnecting these localities to other adjoining areas and restricting people to come out.
A number of commuters and their vehicles are stranded on Karakoram highway as the road at Kohistan Putin and Barseen was blocked due to land sliding for the last 48 hours.
According to Kohistan police rescue teams were facing hardships to clear the particular segment of Karakorum highway due to rains and added such intermittent rain could cause more land sliding, therefore work was in progress cautiously.
Upper localities of district Diamer got disconnected as all approach avenues were blocked and the staff of departments is hectically engaged to remove snow from these the roads with help of machinery.
Harsh weather conditions have also wreaked havoc with the power supply system in various areas especially Tangir and its people were facing the shortage of flour. People of those areas have demanded the concerned authorities to stop shopkeepers from this artificial price hike especially of firewood and take an action against businessmen cashing the situation.
They demanded of the government to supply enough food items to market especially wheat and ensure its supply to all parts of the region. The concerned district administrations are also taking measures to extend relief to the residents by clearing roads and ensuring the sale of edible at prescribed rates.
People have been advised to inform control rooms at their respective districts in case of any emergency. The residents who are more prone to land sliding have been suggested to take precautionary measures and move to safer places.
Meanwhile Met office has forecast more rains and snowfall for the Gilgit Baltistan till Jan 25 and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel as such extreme weather conditions could cause landslide in mountainous areas.
