New Delhi: Muri, a popular tourist destination, was declared a disaster area as about 1000 vehicles were trapped in the avalanche and around 23 people, including 9 children, were trapped. A minor girl who died in Jhika Gali was suffering from severe cold and died of pneumonia as she could not be taken to the hospital in time taking the death toll to 23.
Due to the rush of tourists in the picturesque town of Punjab province, Muri in Rawalpindi district blocked all roads after thousands of vehicles entered the city, leaving tourists helpless on the roads.
According to a BBC report, police said at least six people had died in their cars. Others have given asphyxiation after breathing in the fumes as a possible cause.
The Punjab government has imposed a state of emergency in hospitals, police stations and administrative offices. According to the news of Dawn newspaper, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has issued instructions to expedite the rescue work and provide assistance to the stranded tourists.
Around 100,000 cars made their way to Muri and social media was flooded with people enjoying the snow. However, as of Friday, local news reports said people were stranded. After this, due to heavy snowfall and increasing number of vehicles till Saturday, the authorities declared the area as a disaster zone. Images and videos on social media showed piles of snow on their roofs, stuck from bumper to bumper of cars.
Locals have provided blankets and food to the stranded, while those who can make it to the city – which sits 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) above sea level – have been given shelter in government and school buildings, media reports. stated in.
A large number of people were stranded and flights were delayed as rain continued to lash the federal capital and Rawalpindi for the fourth consecutive day on Friday. Due to continuous snowfall and traffic jam in Muri, the district administration has banned the entry of more vehicles.
The snowfall that began on Tuesday night continued with regular intervals, attracting thousands of tourists. However, due to the rush of visitors, many families got stuck on the streets. It has been told that more than one lakh vehicles entered the hill station.
In a statement, Chief Traffic Officer Taimur Khan said that the entry of vehicles into Muri has been banned from Friday night and cars are being diverted from toll plazas and other entrances, Dawn reported.
He said that since the snowfall started on Monday morning, more than 155,000 vehicles have entered Murree and 135,000 vehicles have left so far.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was shocked and disturbed by the tragic death of tourists on the road to Muri.
“Unprecedented snowfall and rush of PPL proceedings without weather check has not prepared the district administration. Ordered investigation and stronger regulation to ensure prevention of such tragedies,” Khan said in a tweet.
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