Snowfall Leaves Galiyat Isolated, Residents Face Shortages

News Desk/APP

Nathiagali/Abbottabad: Snow clearance and road rehabilitation operations have been intensified in the Galiyat region as heavy snowfall over the past two days has severely disrupted normal life, leaving residents and tourists stranded amid road closures, power outages, and communication breakdowns.

The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) is continuing extensive snow clearance operations using heavy machinery across the region to restore road connectivity. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Gohar Ali and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) are present in Galiyat and are personally supervising the ongoing relief and restoration activities.

Efforts to restore two-way traffic on the Galiyat–Murree Road are progressing rapidly. Additional Assistant Commissioner Galiyat Muhammad Tariq and Tehsildar Abbottabad are also on site, monitoring all operational activities to expedite the reopening of key routes.

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Despite these efforts, authorities have announced that entry routes to Galiyat will remain closed until the complete restoration of roads. Tourists and local residents have been advised to exercise caution and remain updated on prevailing weather conditions. The district administration has directed citizens to contact the District Control Room at 0992-9310553 for emergencies and complaints.

Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has paralyzed normal life across Circle Galiyat, resulting in prolonged electricity outages due to fallen poles and damaged transmission lines. All link roads in the area have been completely blocked, while the shutdown of mobile towers has suspended mobile phone services, further isolating affected communities.

As a result, residents and tourists remain confined to their homes and hotels, with daily life coming to a standstill. Reports indicate acute shortages of medicines, essential food items, and firewood in several areas, while prices of available goods have surged significantly, adding to public distress.

Hospitals and markets remain inaccessible, making it difficult for residents to meet healthcare and daily needs.

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In view of the worsening situation, Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Amina Sardar contacted Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram and Chief Executive Officer Hazara Electric Supply Company (HEZCO) Qazi Tahir, urging them to accelerate efforts to restore electricity, reopen roads, and rescue stranded tourists.

MPA Amina Sardar said the record snowfall had compounded hardships for the local population, who have been cut off from urban centers without electricity or mobile networks, while tourists are also facing severe difficulties. She emphasized the need for authorities to prioritize the restoration of basic services and relief measures.

Despite ongoing efforts by the district administration and relevant departments, road connectivity has not yet been fully restored, raising concerns as cold weather conditions persist and both residents and tourists remain stranded in the snowbound region.