The Pakistan Army, police, and local volunteers have resumed a search operation to locate three young men who were buried under a deadly avalanche in the Dodgai area of Grace Valley, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Wednesday.
The rescue mission, now in its second day, was halted last night due to extreme weather conditions and darkness. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures continue to pose serious challenges for the rescue teams.
The missing youths, all from Phalawai village, were caught under a massive avalanche yesterday. With harsh weather hampering progress, rescuers are racing against time to recover them.
Meanwhile, snowfall and heavy rain continue to batter Neelum Valley. Upper regions, including Tao Butt, Sardari, Kel, Shonthar, Urang Kel, Sharda, Sargan, Lawat Bala, Jagran, and Leswa, remain covered in snow, while lower areas, including the district headquarters Utthmaqam, face persistent heavy rain and snowfall.
The Neelum Highway remains closed from Sharda to Taubat due to heavy snow accumulation. Authorities have warned of possible landslides and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency response teams remain on high alert.
The biting cold has intensified in upper areas, making life increasingly difficult for residents. With snowfall expected to continue, authorities are urging people to take precautions and stay updated on weather alerts.
Last month, on January 23, the Pakistan Army had conducted another major rescue mission in Grace Valley, airlifting stranded civilians and patients in need of urgent medical care. The heavy snowfall had completely cut off Grace Valley from the rest of the country, leading to severe hardships, especially health-related emergencies.
To combat the crisis, the Pakistan Army deployed a team of seven doctors, including two gynaecologists, to Hillmet in Grace Valley. These medical professionals will provide essential healthcare services to residents of Hillmet and Tao Butt throughout the harsh winter season.
In addition to medical aid, the Pakistan Army transported critically ill patients to Kail and Muzaffarabad for treatment and successfully cleared 25 kilometres of snow-blocked roads in the region.
Reporter: Ishfaq Abbasi