Heavy Snowfall in Pakistan, Landslide Warning Issued, Tourists Advised to Avoid Travel

Pakistan's northern regions have witnessed heavy snowfall, prompting the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to issue a landslide warning for the period of January 26-27, 2026. Authorities have advised caution as heavy snowfall has the potential to cause road closures in areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Dera, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Shangla.

The PMD further warned that there is a high risk of landslides and snow avalanches in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during this period.

The department has also urged tourists to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. The ongoing severe weather conditions have caused widespread disruptions, with roadblocks, trapped travelers, and interruptions to power and relief efforts in regions such as KP, Balochistan, GB, and Azad Kashmir.

Additionally, heavy snowfalls and landslides have already caused fatalities, such as the tragic incident on Friday in Chitral, where at least nine members of a family lost their lives due to the snowstorm.

With the ongoing cold temperatures and hazardous conditions, residents and travelers are being urged to stay indoors and remain alert.