A cold wave swept across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday after intermittent rain in the plains and snowfall in upper regions, sharply lowering temperatures across the province.
Snowfall Hits Chitral and Upper Regions
Chitral recorded a significant drop in temperature as snowfall covered large parts of the region. About four inches of snow fell on the Lowari Tunnel Road, which connects Chitral with the rest of the country. Authorities kept the road open, and traffic continued without disruption.
Snowfall also hit Laspur Valley, Reach, Trich, Madak Lisht, Arkari, Karimabad, and Gabor. In Lower Chitral’s Anjigan Valley, a vehicle belonging to the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat skidded off a snowy road in Awerik village. The driver and two engineers onboard remained unhurt and were shifted to the Garm Chashma tehsil headquarters hospital. Officials said the driver lost control due to slippery conditions.
Rain and Snow Bring Relief to Waziristan and Bajaur
Several mountainous areas of Lower and Upper South Waziristan received their first rain and snowfall of the winter season. Residents reported light to moderate snowfall in high-altitude areas, including Angoor Adda, Shakai, Khamrang, Raghzai, Kaniguram, Badar, and Laddha, while lower areas received rain.
Locals welcomed the precipitation after a prolonged dry spell. Farmers said the rain and melting snow would improve soil moisture and boost crop yields. They expect positive effects on wheat cultivation and orchard crops such as chilgoza, apples, peaches, and plums.
In Bajaur tribal district, moderate rain began around noon and continued into the night. Light snowfall covered nearby mountains, making the weather colder. Farmers said the rain would help end drought-like conditions and support wheat crops.
Power Outages Add to Residents’ Woes
Despite welcoming the rain, residents in Bajaur complained about power outages in Khar, Sadiqabad, Inayat Kalley, Rahmanabad, and Nowi Kallay. Electricity went out soon after the rain began.
“The power supply has been cut since the first drop of rain fell,” said Fahad Shah of Sadiqabad. Residents urged authorities to restore electricity immediately.
