Breaking News- 21 death, thousands of families trapped – as heavy snow traps drivers in mountains in Murree Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military has been deployed to clear roads and rescue people trapped in a huge traffic jam at the popular mountain resort town of Murree.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed the Pakistani military has been mobilized to clear roads on Saturday after a devastating winter storm hit the mountain resort town of Murree.
Live News page Breaking – Murree deaths, thousands trapped as heavy snow traps drivers in their vehicles
Tourists die in their cars
Videos on social media showed cars pushed bumper-to-bumper with piles of snow on their roofs.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed shock over the “tragic deaths” and “ordered an inquiry and putting in place strong regulations to ensure prevention of such tragedies.”
Locals are also in trouble
More than 1.2 meters (4 feet) of snow fell in the area overnight as temperatures fell to -8 degrees Celsius (around 18 degrees Fahrenheit).
“It’s not only the tourists, but the local population is also facing severe problems, there are thousands of families trapped in their cars” tourist Usman Abbasi told the AFP news agency.
“Gas cylinders have run out and drinking water is not available in most areas — it’s either frozen or the water pipes have been damaged due to severe cold.”
Thousands of families trapped
Thousands of tourists had rushed to the town, which is located some 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the capital Islamabad. Authorities estimated over 100,000 cars had entered the area in recent days, causing traffic congestion. With the hotels full, many visitors were forced to sleep in their cars.
Many people remained stuck in their vehicles on Saturday.
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