Death toll from Neelum Valley avalanche rises to 62

The death toll from an avalanche in Neelum Valley has risen to 62, local officials said, with several people still missing.

Of these, 10 deaths were reported on Monday after a snowstorm
battered the valley in Azad Kashmir.

The Pakistan Army was assisting the search and rescue
operation in the area. It also sent a helicopter to help the locals but the
chopper couldn’t land because of heavy snow.

Forty-two people were injured and 47 houses had been destroyed in the avalanche. Seventy-eight other houses were affected, while seven cars, three motorcycles, and a mosque had been damaged.

The snowstorm also affected the power supply and communication systems.

Officials were making efforts to clear the roads so they could be made operational.

At least 10 deaths were reported on Monday and 47 were reported on Tuesday. The tally is expected to increase.

Pakistan is currently facing record-breaking temperatures as cold tightens it grips across the country.

Photo: SAMAA TV

Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Changla Gali and Thandiani have all been hit by snow. The road from Abbottabad to Murree is closed for traffic due to the snow.

In Azad Kashmir, heavy snow has been reported in Neelum Valley. Major roads in the area have been closed due to the snow. Srinagar, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral and other areas in the mountains are also snowed in. It has also snowed in Swat.

Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/news/2020/01/snowstorm-azad-kashmir-neelum-valley/