How are cold snaps affecting Pakistan?

Cold snaps are causing widespread disruption, including avalanches, landslides, power and gas outages, and freezing temperatures that are claiming lives and impacting routine life across several regions.

What health risks are associated with the extreme cold in Pakistan?

Medical experts warn of increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, kidney complications, chilblains, frostbite, and hypothermia due to the extreme cold.

What measures are being called for to address the cold crisis in Pakistan?

There is a call for welfare-centric policies, including expanded free shelter and meal programs, and the adoption of international models for pavement shelters and drop-in facilities to provide immediate relief.

Home / Environment / Cold Snap Grips Pakistan: Lives Lost to Avalanche and Freezing Temperatures

Cold Snap Grips Pakistan: Lives Lost to Avalanche and Freezing Temperatures

25 Jan

•

Summary

Avalanche killed nine family members in Chitral; routine life crippled.
Balochistan homes became freezers due to power, gas, and water outages.
Nearly 50 died from cold in Karachi, which typically has mild winters.

Cold Snap Grips Pakistan: Lives Lost to Avalanche and Freezing Temperatures

Pakistan is experiencing a severe cold snap, exacerbated by a government refusal to acknowledge it as a climate emergency, leading to loss of life. In Chitral, nine family members perished when an avalanche destroyed their home, while intense snowfall and landslides disrupted life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. Many households are enduring unannounced power and gas cuts.

Balochistan reported temperatures as low as minus 13°C, turning homes into freezing conditions due to power outages, suspended water supply, and low gas pressure. Karachi, a city unaccustomed to such cold, recorded temperatures below 7°C, with approximately 50 deaths attributed to the cold this month alone. Punjab appears to be the only province prepared for the ongoing weather system.