GILGIT: The Karakoram Highway in Hunza Valley has been temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, as the region battles an intense cold wave. Hunza, a picturesque area in Gilgit-Baltistan, has been hit hard, with temperatures plummeting and snow accumulation disrupting daily life.
Snowfall in the upper reaches of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Hunza and surrounding areas, has made the Karakoram Highway impassable, affecting transportation and connectivity in the region. The closure highlights the challenges faced by residents and travelers during harsh winter months.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reported that the cold wave is expected to persist until December 15, with more snowfall likely in Hunza and other northern regions. This has further impacted mobility and daily routines in the valley, which is a vital route for trade and tourism.
While snow-covered landscapes add to the beauty of Hunza Valley, the extreme weather has created significant hardships. Local authorities are working to restore the Karakoram Highway and are urging residents to take precautions as the cold wave continues.
The Karakoram Highway is not just a lifeline for the Hunza Valley but also a symbol of the region’s connectivity. Its closure underscores the vulnerability of mountainous regions to extreme weather, particularly during the winter season. Residents and travelers are advised to monitor weather updates and plan accordingly to ensure safety during this time.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall in the upper areas of Gilgit-Baltistan has resulted in widespread difficulties for residents as it severed land communication and strandiedtravellers.Temperatures in the region have plummeted to minus 14 Celsius, further exacerbating the difficulties.
Key routes, including Babusar Top and Khunjerab Pass, have been closed due to snow, disrupting travel between Pakistan and China.Authorities confirmed that several vehicles were stranded at Khunjerab Pass, while a rockfall at Roundu has blocked Baltistan Road. However, officials said the road would be restored for traffic.
The GB administration has warned of continued heavy snowfall in Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar and Ghanche districts until Nov 16, urging residents to exercise caution.Meanwhile, according to the Skardu deputy commissioner, the army successfully rescued 15 passengers stranded in the snow-covered Deosai plains.
Cities across Punjab, including Lahore, are grappling with extreme cold temperatures. In Balochistan, severe cold has led to water pipes freezing in places like Quetta, Qalat, Chaman, Qilla Abdullah, Pishin, and Ziarat.
Karachi is not exempt from the cold either, with chilly winds causing temperatures to drop to 11 degrees Celsius.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that most parts of the country will experience severe cold and dry conditions. This cold wave is expected to persist until December 15, with additional rain and snowfall anticipated in Kashmir and Gilgit.
In a related health concern, Lahore has been identified as the city with the worst air quality in Pakistan, recording an Air Quality Index of 253 early this morning.
