Abdul Khaliq Qureshi Abbottabad
In a surprising turn of weather Abbottabad and its surrounding areas were blanketed with snowfall in mid-April, 2024, transforming the picturesque mountainous landscape into a winter wonderland. The snowfall extended its reach, chilling the lower parts of the city, while intermittent rainfall added to the cold, creating a severe weather scenario that caught residents off guard.
The city witnessed a significant drop in temperature, with the sewerages flowing loudly as the rain poured down on Monday. The sudden cold snap confined people to their homes and suburbs, discouraging them from venturing out to nearby markets for essentials like vegetables, meat, and fish. Muddy streets further hindered pedestrian movement, exacerbating the situation.
In areas like Thandiani, Nathiagali, MeeraJani, and Mushkpuri, the threat of landslides loomed large due to the extreme weather conditions. Residents faced acute shortages of essential items, unable to venture out safely to purchase what they needed.
Elderly residents resorted to gas heaters and air conditioners to combat the chill within their homes. Meanwhile, regions like Naran Valley, Kaghan, Musaka Masallah, and Leepa Valley experienced severe cold due to untimely snowfall, hailstorms, and drizzles.
The Silk route witnessed heavy traffic congestion as travelers navigated through the rain and cold to reach the northern valleys of Kaghan and Naran. Kohistan, Mansehra, Battagram, and Torghar were also affected by severe chilly weather, with reports indicating further rainfall and snowfall over the next 24 hours.
Despite the adverse conditions, efforts by the WAPDA authorities to maintain street lighting helped ease the situation to some extent, providing residents with a semblance of normalcy during the dark, overcast days.
In the midst of this weather turmoil, Jadoon Markets remained open, albeit with a lack of customers. Traders, eager to serve, found themselves waiting patiently for customers to arrive, reflecting the subdued atmosphere that gripped the city amidst the harsh weather conditions.
