MURREE – The first rain and hailstorm of the winter season hit Murree and surrounding areas on Friday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and prompting the district administration to issue an alert over possible flooding and landslides.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain accompanied by hail battered Murree, Kotli Sattian and Kahuta, while cold winds intensified the chill. The temperature in Murree dropped to 8 degrees Celsius.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast further rain in Murree and other hilly areas over the next 24 hours, with showers and thunderstorms also expected in parts of upper and central Punjab and Azad Kashmir over the next two to four hours. Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Kotli were among the areas likely to receive rain, the department said, adding that strong winds could also affect the region.
The Murree district administration warned of possible flash flooding in streams and increased risks of landslides in mountainous areas following the heavy rainfall. Residents and tourists were advised to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel. Strong winds and heavy rain also disrupted electricity supplies in parts of Murree, according to the local report.
Administration on high alert
Deputy Commissioner Murree directed the Water and Power Development Authority, Rescue 1122, the Water and Sanitation Agency and other relevant departments to remain on high alert and ensure they were prepared to respond to emergencies. The agencies were instructed to respond promptly to incidents, assist residents and restore essential services in affected areas.
The weather change is expected to bring further cooling to Murree and its surroundings. Tourists travelling to the hill station were advised to check the latest weather conditions, exercise caution on slippery roads and follow instructions issued by the authorities.
