Muzaffarabad (Agencies): The scenic Neelam Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been transformed into a winter wonderland with the season’s first high spell of snowfall, delighting both residents and tourists. After over three months of dry weather, the higher reaches of the valley were blanketed with fresh snow since mid-last night.
Tourist hotspots in the mountainous terrain of the valley witnessed varying degrees of medium to high-level snowfall. Popular snow-clad resorts turned into playgrounds for tourists from various parts of Pakistan and AJK, capturing memorable moments and expressing joy by playing in the snow.
Meanwhile, forecasts predict the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow in many places on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir state. Heavy snowfall is expected in isolated higher reaches of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir Divisions, including districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam, according to a report from across the LoC.
Residents of these high-altitude areas have been advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones over the next 24 hours, as declared by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The SDMA recommends people stay informed about the situation and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the risk of potential avalanches in the snow-clad areas.