GILGIT, Jan 3: The Gilgit-Baltistan region is in the grip of severe cold wave following fresh rains and snowfall that has lowered mercury, local metrological department said on Saturday.

According to an official of the department, upper Hunza and Astor, Skardu, upper parts of Ghanche district, Gupis, Yasin, Phander, Darel and Tangir valleys received heavy snowfall at the mountains along with the rains.

The cold weather has paralysed normal life and routine activities and the people preferred to remain indoors.

Suspension of electricity in various parts of the region is adding up to the problems of people.

They are also facing increase in the prices of firewood and LPG gas as their demand shot up with acute change in the weather.

According to the Frontier Works Organisation, traffic was smoothly plying on the highway. However, police said due to rains driver of a car lost control over the vehicle which overturned near Minawar village, leaving two persons injured who were shifted to DHW hospital where they are stated to be out of danger.

The flight schedule of the PIA was also affected due to inclement weather as for the past two days flights have been suspended.

The met office has forecast more rains and snowfall during the next 24 hours.

TRIBUNAL SUSPENDS NOTIFICATION: An election tribunal of Gilgit has suspended a notification issued by the election commissioner Northern Area who declared a candidate in the district council elections as winner after the decision of a local court on December 3 in his favour.

The candidate - Baba Jan – had taken oath as chairman District Council Gilgit.