The Pakistan Army successfully rescued all stranded travellers and safely transported them to Gilgit Baltistan’s Gultari on Friday.
Many of the travellers reported that their food supplies had run out before the army arrived and they were provided with food during the rescue operation.
On Thursday, 15 travellers were en route from Gultari to Skardu via Deosai in two vehicles when they became trapped due to severe snowfall.
Travellers lost ground contact during their journey. In response to the urgent plea, the army initiated both aerial and ground rescue operations.
Two Pakistan Army helicopters were deployed as part of the rescue effort. But the adverse weather conditions and heavy snowfall posed significant challenges for the aerial operations.
Families and community members expressed their gratitude to the Pakistan Army for the timely rescue operation, which successfully evacuated the stranded travellers.
“The search team coming from Gultari located the missing individuals,” Skardu Deputy Commissioner Arif Ahmed told Aaj News. “All of them are safe.”
They were taken to a safe location after being seen taking refuge in an area known as “shoo wai”.
Meanwhile, an avalanche in Kalam, Swat, has blocked the main road to Mahodand, leaving dozens of tourists stranded.
The incident occurred on the road at Chashm-e-Shifa in the Mahodand area.
Sources told Aaj News that the avalanche near Chashm-e-Shifa on Mahodand Road has closed the main road to all types of traffic, leaving many unable to leave the area. Efforts were under way to clear the road and ensure the safety of those stranded.
Tourists arriving have appealed to the administration for “immediate assistance” and for arrangements to be made to clear the roads so they can return home.
In a separate incident, a vehicle carrying tourists in the Maniyar area of Breikot, Swat, met with an accident when it lost control and collided with an electricity pole. Three tourists from Lahore were injured and have been transferred to the hospital. One of the tourists mentioned that the driver had fallen asleep.
During the winter season, when weather conditions can become unusually severe, avalanches frequently occur in such areas, causing significant difficulties for tourists each year.
Local authorities are urged to enhance safety measures and ensure timely assistance to travellers during such challenging conditions.
