At least 14 missing tourists who went missing while coming from Gilgit Baltistan’s Skardu to Gultari were found on Friday.
“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”.
On Thursday, 14 passengers travelling in two vehicles were en route from Gultari to Deosai when they became trapped due to heavy snowfall. Communication with them was lost.
In response, the Pakistan Army initiated an aerial and ground rescue operation to evacuate the stranded passengers in Deosai, Skardu.
A joint team of Pakistan Army personnel set out on foot to rescue stranded tourists. Two army helicopters also participated in the rescue operation.
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.
