Highlights
- Heavy snowfall broke the record of decades in Pakistan
- 21 tourists killed in car getting stuck in snowfall
- More than 1000 cars are still stuck in this area
Heavy snowfall in Pakistan has broken the record of last 15 to 20 years. The resort town of Murri recorded a low of minus eight degrees Celsius amid heavy snowfall overnight. At least 21 tourists trapped in vehicles have died due to heavy snowfall in this area. Even now at least 1000 vehicles are stuck in different areas. Expressing grief over the death of tourists, Prime Minister Imran Khan has also ordered an inquiry.
21 people died including 9 children
The Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Usman Buzdar, has issued instructions to expedite the rescue work and provide assistance to the stranded tourists. According to the list released by Rescue 1122, 21 people including nine children have died so far. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that for the first time in 15 to 20 years, such a large number of tourists had come to the hill station, which created a big crisis.
Army also engaged in relief and rescue work
He said the Rawalpindi and Islamabad administrations were working with the police to rescue the stranded people, while five platoons of the Pakistan Army, as well as Rangers and Frontier Corps, were called on an emergency basis. He also confirmed that about 1000 cars are still stuck at the hill station. He also informed that the residents of Muri provided food and blankets to the stranded tourists.
Administration sealed the border
The administration of the state of Punjab has closed all the routes to the hill station. Only vehicles carrying food and blankets are being allowed. He claimed that we will safely evacuate 1000 vehicles by this evening. He told that we have also stopped the passengers from traveling on foot. This is not the right time for people who travel on foot. The Pakistan Meteorological Department had predicted heavy snowfall in Muri and Galiyat from January 6 to 9.
Muri declared disaster affected
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has declared Muri a disaster-hit. They imposed a state of emergency in hospitals, police stations, administration offices and rescue services. He also directed the Provincial Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Relief Commissioner, Director General Rescue 1122 and the Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to make available their helicopters to assist in the aid efforts, besides speeding up the rescue operations.
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