KEY POINTS
- Heavy snowfall blanketed Balochistan’s northern and western districts.
- Severe weather disrupted life by blocking major roads and causing power outages.
- Snowfall attracted tourists to scenic spots like Ziarat’s juniper forests to celebrate the New Year.
QUETTA, Pakistan: A powerful winter system has draped northern and western parts of Pakistan’s Balochistan province in a thick blanket of snow, creating breathtaking vistas.
The spell, which began on the night of December 29, brought intense snowfall to mountainous districts and persistent rain to plains across the province.
Scenic landscapes and tourist rush
Key tourist destinations and mountainous regions, including Ziarat, Toba Achakzai, Kan Mehterzai, Chaman, and Qila Abdullah, witnessed heavy snowfall.
Ziarat’s world-renowned juniper forests were completely covered in white, attracting a large number of visitors eager to experience the New Year amidst the scenic winter beauty.
Photographs and videos from Ziarat and Kan Mehterzai quickly went viral on social media, with users celebrating the transformation as “nature’s gift.”
Meanwhile, Quetta, Pishin, Mastung, Noshki, and Zhob experienced intermittent rainfall, intensifying the cold wave. Temperatures plunged, reaching as low as -2°C in some areas.
Travel disruptions and power outages
The picturesque weather came with challenges. Major roads, including the vital Quetta-Ziarat and Quetta-Chaman routes, were affected due to slippery conditions and snow accumulation, hampering traffic.
In Quetta city, rainfall led to waterlogging in low-lying areas and caused several power feeders to trip, resulting in electricity outages across various neighbourhoods.
Authorities have advised caution. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and for commuters to take all necessary precautions during the ongoing weather spell.
Weather forecast
Meteorological experts highlighted a silver lining, stating that this rain and snowfall are highly beneficial for the region.
Following a prolonged dry period, the precipitation is expected to significantly improve soil moisture, replenish natural springs, and boost groundwater levels, providing crucial relief for agriculture in the province.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the current spell of western winds is likely to continue until the night of December 31, with further snowfall expected in mountainous areas and rain in the plains.
Despite the biting cold and disruptions, the natural spectacle has ushered in the New Year with a rare and memorable display of winter’s splendour across Balochistan.
