Climate change is a reality and a bitter truth. Heavy downpours and torrential rains this season translated that climate has changed a lot. Extreme heat in plain areas whilst heavy snowfall in upper regions has highlighted the alarming situation.
Following urban flooding in Lahore and other areas of the country, heavy snowfall at Babusar Top has urged the authorities to follow the preventive strategies. As a result of the unforeseen intense snowfall in July at Babusar Pass, the authorities have implemented road closures, prohibiting any form of traffic.
Heavy Snowfall & Precautions
Numerous videos shared on social media display the snow-capped Babusar Top, with the roads being heavily covered in snow, leading to decreased traction for vehicles. The snowfall is accompanied by an unrelenting blizzard, resulting in compromised visibility.
🛑 ملک کے دیگر علاقوں میں شدید گرمی جبکہ پاکستان کے شمالی علاقہ جات میں برف باری اور شدید سردی! جولائی کے گرم ترین موسم میں بابو سر ٹاپ پر شدید برف باری ریکارڈ۔
پاک ویدر نیٹورک pic.twitter.com/PLeqBc2UU9
— PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) July 7, 2023
Travelers have been forced to pull over by the roadside due to extremely treacherous driving conditions, and those enroute to Babusar Pass have been halted before reaching their destination.
The local administration has not yet provided any instructions on when the Babusar Pass will be reopened, as the snowfall is continuing and it will likely take several hours to clear the roads.
🛑Unusual Happenings! Extreme heat 🌡️ in other regions of the #Pakistan 🇵🇰 while it's cold☃️ in the northern regions of Pakistan as well as Heavy snow ❄️ record on #Babusartop today 🌨️#PakWeather Network pic.twitter.com/qWsvahsMG1
— PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) July 7, 2023
Night travel between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan via the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road has been recently prohibited by the district administration.
According to Mansehra Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid Rao, the ban on night travel between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan via the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road will persist from 6 pm in the evening until morning. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of passengers and tourists during the monsoon season.
Deputy Commissioner Rao further mentioned that the decision was taken in coordination with the Chilas administration.
A formal circular has been issued to address this matter. In accordance with the government’s directive, police personnel have been deployed at Babusar Top to ensure compliance and prevent vehicles from crossing in both directions. Their presence aims to enforce the order and restrict the movement of cars and other transportation vehicles.
