ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday warned of more rain and snowfall in northern parts of the country, urging tourists to avoid unnecessary travel as authorities moved to prevent weather-related emergencies.

Rescuers evacuated dozens of stranded residents and tourists to safety as heavy snowfall blanketed several mountainous areas, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, blocking roads and cutting off villages.

KP’s Khyber, South Waziristan and Swat districts were the most affected by heavy snowfall on Thursday, where authorities were clearing roads and providing food, warm clothes and bedding to affectees, according to Rescue 1122.

Heavy snowfall was also witnessed in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree and Galiyat where several vehicles were stuck on roads, while residents complaint of power outages in some areas, local media widely reported on Friday.

“The system causing rain/snowfall is active over northern parts of the country,” the PMD said in its advisory on Friday noon, predicting more showers and snow in the next few hours.

“Tourists [are] advised to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during rain and snowfall.”

Weather authorities this week forecast intermittent rains and snowfall in northern regions of the country between Jan. 21 and Jan. 24, with heavy snowfall likely in upper and hilly areas of the province.

Tens of thousands of tourists flock to Pakistan’s scenic north every winter to witness snowfall, often neglecting warnings from disaster management authorities.

In Jan. 2022, at least 21 people, including children, died after they were stuck in freezing temperatures during a snowstorm in the Pakistani hill station of Murree.

In view of the situation, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Friday directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to ensure that all highways remain open and fully operational under all circumstances.

“Minister has instructed NHA field staff to remain on high alert and to maintain 24/7 monitoring of weather conditions on highways in snowfall-affected areas,” the Pakistani information ministry said.

“He emphasized that ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow on national highways, particularly in upper regions, is a top priority.”