Murree on High Alert as Torrential Rain Triggers Landslides
News Desk
Muree: Authorities in Murree have declared a high-alert status after eight consecutive days of torrential rain triggered multiple landslides, posing serious risks to residents, tourists, and infrastructure across the hill station.
District Police Officer (DPO) Murree, Dr Muhammad Raza Tanvir, said heavy rainfall had caused landslides and falling rocks at several locations, with Jhika Gali, Lawrence College Road, Lower Topa, and Dhirkot Sattian identified as “high-risk” zones.
Minor landslides and rockfalls were also reported along other hilly routes, while dense fog and slippery roads heightened the risk of accidents.
“Traffic is being strictly controlled at vulnerable points, and our emergency response mechanism is fully operational,” Tanvir said, urging residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel and to contact the Police Helpline 15 in case of emergencies.
Police and traffic personnel, along with other relevant agencies, are deployed at critical points to clear debris and regulate movement.
Cumulative rainfall over the past eight days has exceeded 100mm, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), increasing the likelihood of further landslides due to saturated soil conditions.
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In response, the Murree district administration launched a survey in Jhika Gali to assess damage and facilitate relief for affected families. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Murree, Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, visited the landslide-hit area, met residents, and assured full support.
He directed all departments to expedite relief efforts, maintain field presence, and operate help desks and control rooms to ensure immediate assistance.
“Restoration work, including debris clearance, route reopening, and risk mitigation, is underway. All available resources are being mobilized to provide timely relief to the affected families,” said an administration spokesperson.
A delegation of lawyers also met the DC to discuss damages, challenges faced by residents, and proposed emergency measures.
The administration has issued an emergency weather alert warning of more heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail over the next three days. Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid landslide-prone areas, riverbanks, slopes, hiking trails, selfie points, and unnecessary nighttime travel.
Drivers were instructed to check vehicle fitness, brakes, tyres, and use fog lights while on the road. Special care was advised for children and the elderly.
All relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, police, highways, civil defence, municipal services, health, and local government, have been deployed along with heavy machinery, ambulances, and landslide clearance units to respond rapidly to emergencies.
The District Emergency Board, chaired by DC Shirazi, reviewed strategies to safeguard lives and property, ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity, gas, and water, and accelerate relief for landslide-affected residents.
Residents of Jhika Gali expressed satisfaction over the swift measures taken by the administration. “The prompt response and continuous monitoring have reassured us during this challenging period,” one local said.
Authorities emphasized that all citizens and tourists should strictly follow official advisories, stay alert, and report emergencies immediately to minimize risks during the ongoing severe weather conditions.
