In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the heavy snowfall badly affected normal life of the people while most areas were disrupted by the electricity supply. Many far-flung areas of northern Kashmir valley were disconnected from their district headquarters due to heavy snowfall. These areas included Tangdhar, Keran, Machil and Gurez. Srinagar and plains, however, received moderate snow; the upper areas received heavy snow disrupting the normal life. “Moderate to heavy snowfall was reported in Kashmir and hilly areas of Jammu,” MeT officials said, adding that moderate rain with thunderstorms was reported in most places of Jammu.

“Snowfall and rain is very likely to continue for the next 12 hours. Expect gradual decrease in precipitation from later tonight and improvement from Tuesday afternoon,” they said. Srinagar and the nearby areas were covered with a thick blanket of snow due to which the surface traffic and the normal life was affected. Train services on the Baramulla-Banihal route were suspended due to accumulation of snow on the tracks.

According to MeT officials, Srinagar received 12.5 cms of snow, Qazigund 13.0 cm, Pahalgam 22.1 cm, Kupwara 4.5 cm, Kokernag 8.5 cm, Gulmarg 30.5 cm (above 1 foot), Banihal 0.4 cm and Bhaderwah 2.0 cm. On the other hand, the electricity and water supply got affected in many areas including Sopore, Kupwara, Budgam, Ganderbal and Islamabad. Meanwhile, Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, remained blocked in view of snow accumulation in Banihal and mudslides at several places on thoroughfare, traffic department official said, adding, “People are advised not to take any journey on Jammu-Srinagar highway till the restoration work is completed.”

Mughal road, connecting twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian, as well as Srinagar-Leh highway have been already closed for this winter. The Mughal road has been closed for vehicular movement vide District Magistrate Shopian’s order from January 5 in view of snow accumulation.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP