Kashmir Valley witnessed a snowfall for the second consecutive day on Tuesday with Kashmir capital Srinagar also observed relentless snow after incessant rainfall yesterday.
Due to inclement weather, life virtually came to a full stop. Flights were halted, traffic was suspended on several vital highways and even exams were postponed.
Due to the relentless snow the air transport was suspended. Srinagar-Jammu Highway was closed for the traffic.
Traffic department officials have advised against travel on the route until further notice, cautioning against the dangers posed by landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones.
According to a spokesperson from the traffic department, “the Jammu-Srinagar Highway has been rendered impassable due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones originating from hillocks. “The affected areas include Dalwas, Peerha (near Peerha Tunnel), Mehad-Cafeteria, Jaiswal Bridge, Trishul Morh, Seri, T2, Monkey Morh, Mom Passi, Gangroo, Hingni Marog, Kishtwari, Pather, Shalghari Rampari, Tabela and Chamalwas,”said traffic police officials.
The University of Kashmir postponed all examinations scheduled for February 21. Controller examination KU Dr Majid Zamaan said the University administration has decided to postpone all the examinations slated for February 21. “The decision to postpone the examination was taken in view of the prevailing weather conditions.”
In wake of the inclement weather, authorities issued fresh avalanche warning for ten districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2200 metres over Anantnag and Kulgam districts in next 24 hours. Also avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Bandipora and Baramulla districts in next 24 hours,” advisory issued by J&K Disaster Management Authority said.
It also said that avalanche with high danger level is likely to occur above 2000 metres over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kupwara and Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours.
The advisory requested people living in respective districts to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.
An official from the Weather Department told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that there was snowfall in the length and breadth of Kashmir. He said Gulmarg and Sonmarg witnessed massive snowfall.
He added that: “There is a possibility of light to moderate Rain/Snow at most places with chances of heavy to very heavy snowfall over middle and higher reaches of Valley. [KNT]
