Title: More than 500 families rescued, taken to safety in calamity hit Murree
Share:
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Facebook
Description:
The Punjab Police on Sunday said that more than 500 families in the calamity hit Murree were rescued and taken to safety in the last 24 hours, after at least 22 tourists stranded in their vehicles during a snowstorm died on Friday night.
According to police officials, all major highways in Murree have been cleared for traffic and about 600 to 700 vehicles were evacuated from the town last night.
Officials further stated that Rawalpindi police, district administration and the Pakistan Army soldiers remained active throughout the night.
“Heavy snowfall on Murree's main highways caused 20 to 25 large trees to fall which had blocked roads. All tourists were rescued before nightfall and taken to safe places,” said Punjab Police spokesperson.
Read: Capital routes to Murree closed
Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi Ashfaq Khan, CPO Rawalpindi Sajid Kayani, Chief Traffic Officer Taimur Khan and Deputy superintendent of police Murree remained engaged in the operation till late hours of the night.
Punjab police announced that the Lower Topa Express Highway from Jhika Gali; Lawrence College from Jhika Gali and the RMK road from Kuldana were clear for traffic.
However, traffic coming from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to Murree was closed.
“More than a thousand Rawalpindi Police and Traffic Police personnel took part in the rescue operation,” the police stated.
The spokesperson said that the officials are present on roads from Islamabad to Murree, which will remain closed today (Sunday).
He added that staff at public and private hospitals in Murree are also on alert to deal with any emergencies.
Punjab CM to visit Murree
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar will visit the snow-affected regions of Murree on Sunday (today) after the area was declared “calamity-stricken”.
In Murree, the minister will be briefed about the rescue and relief operation.
“Every Pakistani is saddened by the tragic incident that took place in Murree. All sympathies of the Punjab government are with the families of the deceased”, CM Buzdar said, paying his condolences to the bereaved families.
All eyes are on the tragedy, he added.
Published Date: 09-Jan-2022
Share:
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Facebook
