Severe winter storm grips northern Pakistan, triggers rescue operations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is experiencing one of its most challenging winter spells on Tuesday as a powerful westerly weather system continues to unleash heavy rain and ongoing snowfall across northern, northwestern, and mountainous regions, triggering large-scale military and civilian rescue operations while authorities brace for more severe weather ahead.

The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) in its daily forecast said that “a westerly wave is affecting the upper parts of the country and likely to persist in northern parts till tomorrow.”

According to NWFC, the upper parts of the country, including Malam Jabba, Parachinar, and Gupis, saw temperatures dip to -7°C, Bagrote at -6°C, followed closely by Kalam and Rawalakot at -5°C, while the temperature in Muree and Skardu remained -3°C, followed by -1°C in Quetta.

Balochistan is also expected to remain under heavy rain and snowfall until January 27, with moderate rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast “heavy snowfall, road closure/ slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai and Zhob from 26th to 27th January.”

The advisory highlights the possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the period.

National Highways and Motorways Police also shared a series of posts on the social media platform X, highlighting how the motorway police were “engaged in ensuring smooth flow of traffic” amid heavy snowfall in the upper parts of the country.

The advisory also urges tourists to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

According to the Met Office, daytime temperatures are likely to drop during the period.

The weather phenomenon

Western disturbances are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that bring sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, driven by the westerlies. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.

These weather systems are the main drivers of rainfall across Pakistan and northwest India during the winter and post-monsoon seasons, with winter precipitation particularly important for agriculture, particularly for rabi crops. However, excessive precipitation due to western disturbances can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and avalanches.

Massive rescue operations underway

The National Disaster Management Authority's National Emergencies Operation Centre has warned of rain and snowfall across the northern and western regions, and has directed authorities to remain on alert for rescue operations and road restoration in view of potential risks.

NDMA forecasts cold and dry weather in Punjab with night and morning fog likely over plain areas from Jan. 24-28.

Balochistan emergency response

Heavy snowfall in the scenic tourist city of Ziarat stranded a large number of tourists at various locations, prompting the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) to launch a rescue and relief operation. Severe snowfall disrupted road connectivity across the area, trapping tourists in various parts of Ziarat. Rescue teams promptly reached affected areas and safely evacuated stranded tourists to secure locations.

During the operation, tourists were provided with immediate medical assistance, while essential medicines were supplied to children and sick individuals. FC personnel continued relief activities without interruption, including road clearance and the recovery of stranded vehicles, despite harsh weather conditions.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations

Pakistan Army has carried out relief operations in Orakzai and Kurram districts amidst heavy rains and snowfall, according to Radio Pakistan.

During heavy snowfall in Orakzai District, the army cleared blocked roads on an emergency basis.

In Kurram District, Pakistan Army swiftly launched a rescue operation and restored an eight-kilometer road using heavy machinery, where many were severely affected by the snowfall.

Manato Sadda road had been completely blocked, stranding numerous vehicles, Radio Pakistan reported.

Pakistan Army conducted a prompt operation, safely evacuating passengers and vehicles to secure locations.