All major roads opened for traffic in Murree: ISPR

RAWALPINDI, January 9: After the rescue and relief operation of Pakistan Army, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Sunday that all major roads have been opened for traffic in Murree. According to the details issued by ISPR, the soldiers of Pakistan Army are still working to open the minor link roads while the stranded tourists have been shifted to Islamabad. Meanwhile, Pakistan Army established relief camps in Murree. The engineers are busy in opening the roads and the other groups of soldiers have been deployed to provide food and water to the relief camps. On the other hand, the healthcare units are fully functional to render services to the people of the country. Earlier today, at least 23 people have lost their lives while being trapped in their vehicles after snowstorm in Murree and other northern areas of the country. The soldiers of Pakistan Army assisted the civil administration participated in relief activities to rescue the stranded tourists. Over 100,000 cars had entered the scenic town of Murree in the past few days to see the unusually heavy snowfalls, causing an enormous traffic jam on roads leading in and out. Rescue 1122 service has released the details of the people who have lost their lives trapped in their cars. Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. General Akhtar Nawaz on Sunday announced that all tourists trapped in the hill station have been rescued. Talking to media persons, the chairman said that all tourists have been moved to safe locations and 371 people have been shifted to Army camps. He further said that operation is underway to clear Kaldana to Barian Road where 77 cars are still trapped; however, there are no people in the vehicles as they left their cars and sought shelter somewhere else. Lt. General Akhtar said that tourists are being facilitated and food and medicines have been given to them. Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered inquiry and putting in place strong regulation to ensure prevention of such tragedies. The Prime Minister, in a tweet, said that he was shocked and upset at tragic deaths of tourists on road to Murree. The premier added that unprecedented snowfall and rush of people proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district administration unprepared. The preliminary report of the tragic incident that took place in Murree was presented to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar. According to sources, the report submitted to the chief minister said that Murree has the capacity to park 32,000 vehicles, while more than 72,000 vehicles entered Murree on Thursday.-NNI