Abdul Khaliq Qureshi Abbottabad
The rescue operation in Gallyat after heavy snowfall & blizzards as yet to be completed where most of the tourists have been safely evacuated along with their vehicles from Nathigali, Dungagali, Ayubia, Changla gali and other snow bound places while the main Murree road which was blocked due to land sliding at numerous points has been re-opened for traffic.
The inclement weather paralyzed life in entire Abbottabad district specially in upper parts as temperatures plunged to below freezing point. Several link roads in the areas including Nathiagali Bakoat road were closed because of the heaviest snowfall of the season from last six days. The snowfall affected daily life activities as most of the people remained indoor.
Locals said that as soon the cold turned extremely chilly, prices for firewood and other fuels surged across the district.
Despite the surge in prices of firewood the fuel has disappeared in some areas. The shortage of firewood, petroleum, medicines, food items and other essentials have made the life of people in the entire Gallyat,
During sixth & most dangerous spell of winter, heavy snowfall has caused havoc which resultantly forced tourists to be stranded. Although timely effort of district administration, Gallyat Development Authority, Abbottabad Police with the help of locals has not only evacuated immediately sizable numbers of vehicles from Swar Gali-Lora road but also shifted hundreds of tourists in nearby hotels, rest houses and rest areas as hundreds of vehicles were completely covered with snowfall.
SSP Traffic Qamar Hayat told this correspondent that Abbottabad- Nathiagali road has become cleared yesterday while rescue work has been carried on remaining part. He told that traffic wardens have been assisting the rescue operations being carried out by District police, GDA staff and rescue 1122.
