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 spokesperson maintained that 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.
To mitigate such risks, he noted that the administration of Murree has taken proactive measures. Last week, three tourist facilitation centers were set up, which has now increased to 13. The spokesperson says the focus is on ensuring the safety of visitors, particularly those arriving in their cars.
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 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 temperature.
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