Hotels announce free accommodation for tourists after deaths in Murree

ABBOTTABAD: Hotels in Galyat region have announced free-of-cost accommodation for tourists who are trapped in Murree after the tourist spot saw at least 19 deaths owing to continuous snowfall and roads blockades, ARY NEWS reported.

The announcement was made by Nathia Gali Hotels Association who said that they would not be charging money from the tourists trapped in the snow.

Besides providing the trapped tourists with accommodation, we will also be providing meals and other facilities to them to keep them warm, the president of the hotels’ association said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has announced to summon armed forces to evacuate tourists from Murree after at least 19 people have died at the tourist spot owing to continuous snowfall and closure of roads.

“There is a huge influx of tourists in Murree and Galyat areas and the administration despite multiple attempts remained unsuccessful in clearing the roads,” the interior minister said.

He further announced that civil and armed forces have been summoned to evacuate the tourists from Murree. “We have summoned five platoons of foot soldiers of Pakistan Army and also summoned FC and Rangers to clear the roads,” Sheikh Rasheed said.

He said that currently 1000 vehicles are being trapped on the roads leading to the tourist spot.

The interior minister further shared that only vehicles carrying relief goods and warm clothes are being allowed to go to Murree while efforts are also underway to shift trapped tourists to safe locations after some vehicles have been rescued while others were sent back by the authorities.

“Those traveling on foot are also not allowed to travel to Murree,” he said and added that it was for the first time in 20 years that a large number of people traveled to the tourist spot, causing a crisis.