PDMA forecasts season’s first snowfall in Murree

ISLAMABAD: In anticipation of the season’s first snowfall, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a forecast for Murree and surrounding areas, with the snowfall expected to commence on Tuesday (January 9) morning.

The weather in Murree, Galyat and nearby regions is predicted to turn cold and dry, with temperatures dropping further following rain and snowfall on Monday and Wednesday, a spokesperson from PDMA told a private news channel.

In response to a query about the tragic events of January 2022, when 22 lives were lost due to a snowstorm that left many stranded on the roads around Murree, the PDMA spokesperson said that the authorities have been diligently working to prevent a recurrence of that tragedy. The disaster was attributed to the negligence of the local authorities, allowing an excessive number of vehicles (over 13,000) into Murree, surpassing its capacity of 4,000, the spokesperson maintained, according to the official news agency.

To mitigate such risks, he noted that the administration of Murree has taken proactive measures. Last week, three facilitation centres for tourists were set up, and this number has now been increased to 13. The focus is on ensuring the safety of visitors, particularly those arriving in their cars, said the spokesperson.

Authorities are keen to avoid a repeat of the 2022 tragedy, he said, emphasising the importance of responsible management and adherence to capacity limits to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents in the picturesque hill station.

Meanwhile, travelers, accompanied by families primarily arriving from various districts of central Punjab and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were observed in significant numbers in the valleys of Kalam, Madain, Bahrain, and Malam Jabba in upper Swat. This occurred amidst light to moderate rains and snowfall, resulting in a notable drop in the temperature.

A few days ago, Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas said in light of the anticipated snowfall, the caretaker Punjab government in collaboration with the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a travel advisory for tourists.

While talking to the media, he emphasised that a comprehensive strategy has been devised to handle the surge of tourists. This strategy includes the establishment of 13 facilitation centres, ensuring all necessary preparations, including provisions of petrol and meals to cater to the needs of tourists. He underscored his unwavering commitment to prioritise the well-being of visitors throughout their stay.

Moreover, he said the vehicle entry into the city is being monitored via digital counting systems, aiming to curtail the influx of excessive vehicles heading towards the express highway toward Murree. He added that the website has also been updated to facilitate tourists with real-time weather forecasts, traffic status at multiple intersections, accommodation details in hotels, and other essential updates pertinent to their visit to Murree.