Rain, snowfall create unprecedented situation
CHITRAL: With heavy rain and then snowfall continuing for four days in the middle of April, the whole of Chitral is in an unprecedented situation with MPA Lower Chitral Fatehul Mulk Ali Nasir appealing to the federal and provincial governments as well as the international community for assistance to cope with the challenges.
Chitral is completely cut off from rest of the world due to the blockades of the Lowari tunnel and Shandur pass roads while main roads inside the valley are also closed due to landsliding and flooding in rivers and streams and dry nullahs.
Moreover, houses have collapsed in many areas and the inmates are forced to live under the open sky in the inclement weather. They need food and tents and other items of daily life, the MPA said in a video message.
Because of the blockades of roads and non-stop rain and snowfall and disruption in telecommunication system, the affected people could not be reached and a firsthand information about the damages was also not possible right now.
The district administration of both Lower and Upper Chitral said that operations were underway to clear roads, including the approach road of the Lowari tunnel, but continuous rain and snowfall was hampering their work.
There is shortage of machinery to remove huge boulders and debris that have fallen on roads in many areas of Lower and Upper Chitral, including on Chitral-Mastuj road. The flooding in streams has also washed away drinking water supply lines and water channels of micro hydel power stations in scores of villages in Upper Chitral. As a result, these areas are without drinking water, electricity and mobile phone services.
The district administration of Lower Chitral said a team has been formed to assess damages in the district and submit a report to the government for provision of compensation and relief to the affected people.
The unprecedented weather conditions have brought routine life to a standstill with schools closed for three days and offices closed or without very thin attendance. As there are reports of landsliding, flooding and rockfall incidents, people have been asked to restrict their mobility and avoid unnecessary travel to distant areas.