According to Inter-services Public Relations of Pakistan (ISPR), stranded individuals and families in Murree have been moved to the Army Public School (APS) in Kuldana for warm food and shelter. ISPR issued a statement on the Pakistan Army’s rescue efforts in Murree.
Troops from Brigade 111 were working to clear the road at Bahara Kahu and providing necessary food items to those in need.
Army engineer troops have opened Jhika Gali – Gharial Road and were still opening Jhika Gali – Road Kuldana.
The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) was working on clearing the expressway with heavy machinery, according to the statement.
Hundreds of vehicles remain trapped on the mountain roads following the blizzard, according to to Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, although over 20,000 cars have already been assisted away from the area. Earlier reports indicated that nearly 140,00 vehicles passed through Murree this week.
The area has been declared an emergency zone, with guidelines for travelers to stay home. Roads to Murree will remain closed until at least 9pm on Saturday.
“We have also decided to ban tourists who are planning on coming to Murree on foot; this is not the time to come to Murree,” Rashid said.
Following over four feet of heavy snowfall on Friday, more than 20 tourists died while stranded in their cars on the road to Murree.
