Snowfall's Impact Unfolds
Late Monday night, large portions of the Kashmir Valley became covered in snow, leading to significant disruptions. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
was forced to close due to heavy snow accumulation near the Navyug tunnel at Qazigund and Banihal. The Meteorological Department predicted additional light to moderate rain or snow for most areas, with potential gusty winds. Dramatic footage captured the sheer force of an avalanche in Sonamarg, emphasizing the suddenness and intensity of the weather event. These incidents occurred after official warnings were issued earlier in the week, indicating the anticipated hazardous conditions across the region. District administrations and police responded by activating control rooms and helpline numbers. In snowbound areas, medical assistance was provided, highlighting the critical nature of the situation and the measures taken to support those in need during the adverse weather conditions. The immediate impact was substantial, causing widespread challenges for daily life.
Avalanche Strikes Sonamarg
At approximately 10:12 pm, an avalanche struck Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district. Despite the intensity of the event, no casualties were reported, which was a significant relief. CCTV cameras captured the terrifying moments, displaying the sheer power and speed of the snow slide. Videos revealed a massive wall of snow cascading down the mountainside, swiftly spreading across the area. The avalanche hit a resort zone, emphasizing the suddenness of the event. While the plains, including Srinagar, experienced light to moderate snowfall, the higher reaches were hit with heavier snowfall, transforming popular tourist locations like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam into winter landscapes. Authorities closely monitored the situation following the incident, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people affected by the avalanche and related weather conditions. This event showcased the potential dangers of the winter weather, particularly in mountainous regions.
Travel and Alerts Issued
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority issued avalanche warnings for eleven districts, including a high-danger alert for areas above 2,000 meters in Ganderbal, where Sonamarg is situated. The public was strongly urged to remain cautious, as harsh winter conditions persisted across the region. Travel was significantly affected, as Srinagar International Airport had to cancel all 58 scheduled flights—29 arrivals and 29 departures—because the continuous snowfall made the runway unsafe for operations, stranding hundreds of tourists. Train services between Banihal and Budgam were briefly suspended but restored after tracks were cleared, with services between Srinagar and Katra continuing as scheduled. Officials had previously warned about the possibility of high-intensity avalanches in the district, confirming the proactive measures taken to mitigate the risks associated with the winter conditions.
