Pakistan / At least 21 dead as heavy snow traps people in cars

Zoom News : Jan 09, 2022, 08:29 AM
Due to heavy snowfall in the mountainous region of Punjab's Murri, more than 1000 tourist vehicles have been stuck in the middle of the roads, in which thousands of people are aboard. According to a BBC report, at least 21 people, including 10 children, have died out of those trapped in these vehicles on Saturday. At least 10 of those killed have died due to freezing while sitting in the car.


Painful videos of those who died sitting in the car have become fiercely viral on social media. Along with this, videos and photos of tourists battling bad condition are also being shared a lot.


The entire family of a policeman was also among the dead.

According to information given by Emergency Rescue Service 1122, a policeman, his wife and 6 children were also among the dead. There is also news of the death of 5 people from another family. Usman Abbasi, a tourist, told on the phone that people are in a very bad condition. Not only the tourists are battling this snow, but the vehicles of the local people are also stuck in the jam of the tourist vehicles.


Pakistani Home Minister said - more than one lakh vehicles arrived

The report said that all these tourists had arrived to enjoy the snowfall, but got stuck on the roads while returning on Saturday. According to Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, this situation has arisen in the British colonial city of Murree due to the arrival of more than 1 lakh tourist vehicles during the last few days.


Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi had shared information on social media about people being rescued from 23,000 vehicles and 1000 vehicles still stuck. DSP Murri also said in the video message that there has been 4 feet of snowfall so far and roads have been closed due to the fall of hundreds of trees.


Army engaged in rescue operation

Murri, located north of Pakistan's capital Islamabad, is a small tourist destination situated at an altitude of about 7500 feet above sea level. It was settled by the British Army as its medical base in the 19th century. Due to being a mountainous area, the Pakistani Army has been engaged in the rescue operation to save the lives of the tourists. But they are also facing problems in the rescue operation.


Local public gave blankets and food to the tourists

Tourists battling the cold on roads due to snowfall have been evacuated from cars to government buildings and schools. Where blankets and food have been provided to them with the help of local public.


Pakistan PM Imran Khan said- I am in shock

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he is in shock over the news of his death due to snowfall. Imran said on social media – there was not enough preparation of the local administration to deal with the arrival of tourists in large numbers without knowing the weather and the terrible snowfall. It is being verified.


The danger is not over yet, then snowfall-rain forecast

A Meteorological Department official told the BBC that there was no snowfall in Murree at the moment. However, rain and snowfall have been forecast for a few hours later and tomorrow as well. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that all roads leading to Murri from Islamabad and other areas have been closed. Only vehicles carrying food and relief materials are being allowed there. These roads will be closed till 9 pm on Sunday. Punjab government has declared 'Snow Emergency' in Murree. The area has also been declared as a disaster affected area.

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