National News

RAWALPINDI: A new spell of snowfall has  pummeled the  mountainous areas, intensifying the problems of the people as numerous tourists remained stranded in Ayubia, Nathia Gali and other parts of the scenic valley.Similar situation exists in Tauheedabad area near Nathiagali  where the tourists are trapped as heavy snow has covered the roads. Moreover; the local residents are also suffering due to the closed routes.According to Director General Inter-Services Public Relations  Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan Army and PAF's rescue team,  carrying medicines and food items, has been sent   in support of civil administration to carry out the rescue operation, adding that they have  begun efforts to  safely recovered the stranded tourists.The military spokesperson late on Monday tweeted: "On media reports of stranded tourists at Toheedabad near Nathia Gali a rescue team each of Army and PAF sent in support of civil administration. Rescue teams carrying medicines and food items. Road blocked due to heavy snowfall and broken down vehicles. Approach being cleared."Earlier, the tourists in video message   appealed the local administration and the other concerned authorities  to make efforts for their rescue as they were trapped due to heavy snowfall that closed  the roads. Nathiya Gali has received 3 feet of snow, while the temperature has fallen below freezing.Meanwhile,  Army's team and local administration have began the rescue operation . making efforts to clear the routes.The inclement weather paralysed life in upper areas as temperatures plunged to below freezing point. Several roads in the areas were closed because of the heaviest snowfall of the season so far. The  local administration has warned the tourist in the areas to be cautious while driving in the slippery roads.According to the Met Office, intermittent snowfall, which started in the late hours of Sunday,  will continue for another day. 

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2DrWmdr

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