In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district, families migrating from Tirah Valley have been stranded at various locations due to heavy snowfall. Snowfall continuing since yesterday morning has accumulated up to two feet in several areas of Tirah Valley plains, resulting in the closure of the only road linking Tirah with Bara and Peshawar, leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck on the roads.

According to sources, a large number of vehicles are stranded along the mountainous stretches from Lar Bagh to Dwa Toi and Sandana. Dozens of families, including women and children, remain trapped and are facing severe hardships due to extreme cold and blocked routes.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army is providing immediate relief to stranded families at various locations by distributing warm blankets, medicines, and food. Army officers and soldiers are actively engaged in relief operations.

Speaking to the media, Member of the Provincial Assembly and DEDC Chairman Khyber, Abdul Ghani Afridi, said that heavy snowfall has left affected families stranded in mountainous areas, making the situation highly alarming. He added that the provincial government and district administration are making all-out efforts to reach every affected family. According to him, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Suhail Afridi, is in constant contact and has issued clear directives to provide all possible facilities to the affected people on an emergency basis.

The Khyber district administration and the provincial government have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors until the snowfall subsides and roads are restored.

Meanwhile, last night a vehicle carrying IDPs from Tirah Valley met with an accident at Dwa Toi, resulting in the deaths of two children on the spot, while their parents were injured. The injured were shifted to Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, for medical treatment.

Separately, the deadline for evacuation from Tirah Valley has been extended, allowing affected families to complete their relocation by February 5 instead of January 25.

According to a spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Khyber, multiple reports were received of vehicles stranded in different areas of Tirah Valley due to rain and snowfall. The affected areas include Tirah Naray Baba, Dwa Toi Painda Cheena, Nangrosa, and Takhtakai. The spokesperson said that under the direct supervision of District Emergency Officer Shariq Riaz Khattak, rescue operations are ongoing, with two ambulances, disaster vehicles, and trained personnel present on site.

Rescue 1122 stated that more than 15 people have so far been safely evacuated, while additional rescue teams from Khyber and Peshawar have been dispatched as backup. All necessary equipment and resources have been provided to ensure uninterrupted relief operations.