CHAMAN: Snowfall in the country’s northern and western mountainous areas for the last several days has made the weather chillier besides creating a lot of inconvenience for the residents of these areas on Friday.

Life has been paralyzed by persistent rain and snowfall over the mountains in north-western parts of Balochistan, particularly since last night. Quetta-Chaman highway has been temporarily blocked for traffic due to extreme weather while Member of Balochistan Assembly, belonging to the Awami National Party (ANP), Asghar Khan Achakzai is busy is in relief and rescue activities in the worst-affected areas along with the officials of the local administration as well as Pakistan Army personnel.

It has been snowing in different parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for the last three days, which has not only turned the weather extremely cold but has also resulted in road blockades, thus disrupting the flow of traffic and badly affecting the routine life.

Dry fodder collected to feed the cattle, woods and other items lie buried under the thick layer of snow while people’s homes and other buildings are also covered in a white sheet as snowflakes are continuously falling over the mountains in Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli and Sadhonati areas.

Power supply to different areas has also been disrupted, while roads in the mountainous areas of Rawalakot, which had been opened for traffic on Thursday night, have again been closed. Some areas of the AJK have received even five-feet of snow. The local administration has appealed to the people to exercise caution and avoid travelling in extreme weather conditions.

Snowfall also continues in the country’s northern areas, disrupting routine life. On the other hand, the Met Office has forecast rain and snowfall for different parts of Kashmir and northern areas on Saturday as well. Hostile weather, however, has failed to deter people from different parts of the country from flocking to the tourist resorts of AJK, who are enjoying the snowfall with their families.

Snowfall continues in Dera Ghazi Khan: There is biting cold in the mountainous areas of Dera Ghazi Khan as snowfall, which has been continuing for the last few days, shows no sign of relenting. Popular hill resort of Fort Munro is also blanketed with thick snow.