PM to visit Azad Kashmir after dozens killed due to snowfall, rain

• PM has directed authorities for effective treatment of the injured, including the transfer of the affected persons to safe places.
• At least 83 people died in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Balochistan in various incidents following heavy snowfall and rains.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will make a visit to Azad Kashmir on Wednesday, after dozens of people lost their lives due to cold weather and snowfall in the region.

In a series of tweets, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan informed that the prime minister has directed the authorities for effective treatment of the injured, including the transfer of the affected persons to safe places.

“Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government and all concerned departments will utilize all resources and capabilities to assist affected families and citizens,” she tweeted. PM also directed the concerned agencies to provide full assistance to the citizens and victims of the crisis on an emergency basis.

At least 83 people died in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Balochistan in various incidents following heavy snowfall and rains, authorities said.

An official statement issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) here on Tuesday said that 55 people died in AJ&K while 21 people in Balochistan province. So far no reports of any loss to property or lives have been received from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, which also received significant snowfall.

According to National Disaster Management Authority, rains in Balochistan have claimed 21 lives and injured 11 others, while 55 persons have died and 12 injured in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

However, a statement issued from the office of AJ&K Prime Minister Secretariat said that in Azad Kashmir the death toll has reached 62 people while scores are injured and rescue and relief activities are under way in the avalanches-hit areas of Neelum and Jehlum Valleys.

In Neelam valley alone, 19 people died in an avalanche while 10 others are still missing. According to NDMA, four injured have been rescued while work is currently under way to rescue the remaining people.