Normal life came to a halt in Kashmir Valley due to incessant snowfall that disrupted air and ground traffic, snapped power supply and forced most of the residents to retire earlier to secure houses.
The divisional administration issued an avalanche warning for nine districts of Kashmir division in view of the inclement weather and snowfall. The warning was issued for the avalanche-prone areas in district Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh.
The snowfall began in the afternoon, strictly according to the weather predictions, and intensified by the evening causing road blockades at various places. Commuters between Srinagar and north Kashmir said that they were stranded for several hours on the highway due to snowfall.
The authorities closed Srinagar-Jammu National highway for vehicular traffic due to fear of avalanches and shooting stones in several vulnerable areas. The aerial traffic was also snapped due to heavy fog and poor visibility.
Divisional Commissioner Baseer Khan asked the deputy commissioners of all districts to advise the people living in avalanche prone areas not to venture out during the snowfall.
The DC’s have been directed to take all the precautionary measures to keep the SDRF, Police and Para-medical staff with ambulances in readiness to deal with any untoward incident
Jammu and Kashmir Police also issued an advisory to the people. “It is snowing in the plains of Valley. Roads have become slippery. Drive your vehicles carefully & slowly. If you need any help or assistance contact your nearest Police Station or PCR Kashmir,” Police wrote on the official twitter handle.