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       GILGIT: Heavy snowfall and avalanches across Gilgit-Baltistan have damaged homes and blocked roads, resulting in a shortage of essential items and medicines.

       The region remains under the grip of intense cold weather and received snowfall in the last week of February and the start of March.

       Continuous snowfall and subsequent avalanches since the start of this month have compounded the miseries of locals as roads, including the Karakoram Highway, have been blocked due to landslides.

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       The areas have been without electricity, with telephone services also disconnected due to damage to power and communication infrastructures.

       According to Rescue 1122, an avalanche in Tulubroq area of Roundu valley of Skardu damaged homes and other private properties.

       Two homes and a link road were also damaged, while no loss of life was reported.

       However, the affected people are facing difficulties due to the closure of roads.

       Rescue 1122 teams from Skardu said they were assessing the situation, while the local administration has also been mobilised to help the affected people.

       Avalanches were also reported in various areas of Astore district, cutting the land access to thousands of people in upper areas.

       Aqil Hussain Baqiri, a loc-al, told Dawn that the Das-khrim Road beyond Godai Valley couldn’t be reopened as many avalanches have hit the area.

       Locals said the condition of more than three patients was critical and demanded the army transport them to Godai via snow vehicles.

       An avalanche also occurred in Dari village of Astore, damaging homes, roads and other infrastructure.

       The Astor-Haracho road was blocked due to an avalanche, while a power station was also damaged in the Mirmalik village near Shuntar Pass, leaving the area without electricity.

       Earlier, avalanches were recorded in Gadai and other areas in Astore. The Meteo-ro-logical Depart--ment has issued a forecast of light snow in some areas of GB today (Friday).

       Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025