GILGIT(National Times)- Intermittent rain and snowfall have created difficulties for residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, with heavy snowfall and landslides blocking the Babusar Pass, Shimshal Valley and several other link roads.

Temperatures have dropped across the region, while prolonged power outages have added to the hardships of residents.

Intermittent snowfall was reported in the upper areas of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Khar-mang, Shigar and Ghanche on Thursday, creating difficulties for local residents.

Residents of upper areas are facing transportation difficul-ties as roads have become ha-zardous for travel, while temperatures have dropped to zero degrees Celsius.

According to an official statement, on the orders of the Diamer district police officer, Babusar Pass has been temporarily closed to all types of traffic due to heavy snowfall at Babusar Top.

Passengers and tourists have been advised to use the Karakoram Highway as an alternative route and avoid unnecessary travel.

Travellers have also been advised to contact the police helpline at 15 before starting their journeys to obtain the latest information on road conditions.

Meanwhile, according to the district administration, Shimshal Road has been closed to all traffic following a landslide at Wain Bain, leaving residents of Upper Hunza cut off from the rest of the country.