The Kashmir Valley has been hit hard by continuous snowfall since Thursday morning, leading to significant disruptions in traffic, rail services, and air travel. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been blocked due to heavy snow accumulation between Ramsoo and Qazigund, compounded by shooting stones, landslides, and mudslides between Nashri and the NAVYUG Tunnel.
In addition, the Batote-Doda road is closed following a landslide at Ragi Nalla. Other key routes including the SSG Road, Bhaderwah-Chamba Road, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Road are also impassable.
Air travel has been severely impacted at Srinagar International Airport, with all morning flights delayed due to the adverse weather conditions. Train services have seen partial disruptions, with the Budgam-Banihal section operating on schedule, while delays plague the Baramulla section as heavy snow accumulates.
In response to the ongoing inclement weather and predictions of further snowfall, authorities have extended winter vacations for schools across the Kashmir Valley and winter zones of Jammu until March 7. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Minister for School Education Sakina Itoo, following reports from Deputy Commissioners regarding the severe weather conditions.
After a prolonged dry spell that lasted two months, the recent snowfall has significantly alleviated the 80% deficit in rainfall, bringing it down to approximately 50%. This much-needed precipitation has rejuvenated rivers and streams that had nearly dried up, bringing relief and joy to local residents who had eagerly awaited this winter weather.
The fresh snowfall has also brought cheers to the tourists present in the Kashmir Valley. In Srinagar, tourists were seen dancing and playing in the snow, while in other popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam, visitors enjoyed the unexpected snowfall that arrived during the last days of February.
However, the snowfall has also triggered multiple avalanches in the Gurez area of Bandipora district and the Minimarg area along the Srinagar-Leh highway near Zojila. In Gurez, several homes in Khandiyal village were damaged as residents witnessed the devastating impact of the avalanches. Eyewitnesses in Minimarg described scenes of chaos as a sudden avalanche forced locals to flee for safety.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for heavy rainfall, snowfall, and thunderstorms expected to affect higher-altitude regions of the Valley. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors in higher reach areas during snowfall and avoid unnecessary travel during this extreme weather event. Public advisories recommend securing doors and windows, avoiding shelter under trees or near power lines, and exercising caution while driving due to potentially slippery or flooded roads.
With more snowfall and rain predicted until March 4, temperatures in various parts of the Kashmir Valley are expected to drop further, prompting people to use heavy clothing and other heating appliances to keep themselves warm.
Also Read: Multiple Snow Avalanches Strike Gurez And Minimarg Amid Heavy Snowfall In Kashmir Valley
