Heavy snow and rain that have been lashing different parts of Azad Kashmir have brought to a grinding halt the communication system and other daily activities in these areas, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday. 

The upper areas of district Jehlum Valley in AJK including Leepa, Khilana Valley, Pando Sidhan, Sena Daman, and Mohra Sadiq are receiving heavy snowfall while the lower areas have been pounded by rain for the last two days.

These areas are in the grip of extreme cold and dense fog due to sleet and snow. All the link roads in the snow-hit areas have been closed while the main highway is open for traffic.

The main road from Muzaffarabad to Chikothi is open. While main roads in Leepa Chikothi Khilana Valley have also been restored for traffic.

Approximately more than 1 ft snow has been fallen on the mountains of Leepa Valley since yesterday. Every inch in the valley has been covered in white. People are facing numerous difficulties owing to the frigid conditions. 

According to National Highway Authority spokesperson, main roads in Leepa Moji, Reshian, Hatian Bala, Lamnian and Sher Gali have been closed for traffic. 

The Metrological office has predicted that the snowfall will continue to hit Leepa Valley for another 12 hours.

The everyday life has come to a standstill in AJK Bagh after the area has been barreled by snow and continuous rain.

The main roads leading to Sidhan Gali, Ganga Choti, Lisdina, Chitra Topi, and Naiza Gali have been closed due to snow. People prefer to stay indoors in view of extreme cold weather. People’s problems have also been multiplied as there is no electricity in the area due to snow and rain. 

The National Highway Authority has said that the roads restoration work will be started once the snow and rains come to an end.

The snow/rain-hit Rawalakot, too, is facing similar situation as its road link with other adjoining areas has been cut and it is facing power disruption. 

Heavy snow and sleet are lashing Rawalakot Bagh and Sidhnoti. The main road of Chikar Sidhan Gali has been closed for traffic. 

Weather to remain dry, cold in plain areas 

According to Met office report, the weather will remain cold and dry in most of the plains of the country on Sunday. 

However, rain with thunder and snowfall is expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Weather in the last 24 hours: There was rain and snowfall in the mountains in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and Punjab. The weather remained cold in other parts of the country.

Highest Rainfall (mm): Kashmir: Rawalkot 07, Muzaffarabad (City 06, Airport 04), Ghari Dupatta 02, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Saidu Sharif 04, Dir (Upper, Lower 03), Kalam 01, Punjab: Murree 04, Attock 03, Islam 01 mm rain was recorded in Abad (Airport 02, City 01), Faisalabad, Khanewal, Okara, and Toba Tek Singh.

Snowfall (inches): Light snowfall was recorded in Malam Jabba 06, Murree 01 and Skardu.

Minimum temperature recorded today: Leh minus 14, Ziarat minus 11, Astor, Kalam minus 09, Gopus minus 08, Hunza minus 07, Malam Jabba, Skardu minus 06, Kalat minus 05, Quetta, Bagrot minus 04 and Murree recorded minus 03 degree Celsius. 

Reporters Mubarak Hussain Awan, Nazia Khursheed and Masood Gurdezi