Heavy Snowfall, Landslides in Kashmir; Jammu-Srinagar, Ladakh Highways Shut
Srinagar 28 Feb 2025: Jammu and Kashmir experienced significant snowfall on Friday morning, February 28, leading to traffic disruptions and road closures, including the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The heavy snowfall has buried highways and mountains under thick layers of snow, causing widespread interruptions in the flow of traffic across the region.
Impact of Snowfall on Key Roads:
- Srinagar-Jammu National Highway:
- Closure: The Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been closed due to heavy snowfall near Qazigund and Banihal. Landslides were also reported at several places from Banihal to Ramban, further complicating the situation.
- Visuals: Roads, mountains, trees, and entire towns are laden with thick snow, creating a picturesque yet challenging environment for travel.
- Srinagar-Ladakh National Highway:
- Closure: Another key road, the Srinagar-Ladakh national highway, has also been closed due to heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass. This closure has disrupted connectivity to the Ladakh region.
- Weather Forecast: According to the meteorological department, the extreme weather conditions are likely to improve by the afternoon, providing some relief to travelers.
Regions Affected by Snowfall:
- Rajouri, Doda, and Bhalesa Districts:
- Snowfall: These regions received heavy snowfall, resulting in a sharp drop in temperatures. The landscape in Anantnag also took on a white hue, with snow covering the district as far as the eye could see.
- Pir Panjal Mountain Range: Elevated areas of the Pir Panjal mountain range received snowfall after a long dry spell, while the lower areas experienced rainfall.
- Srinagar Airport:
- Snow Clearance: The Border Roads Organisation had to clear snow from the runway after fresh snowfall. In Pahalgam, snow had to be cleared off the roads as it continued to snow.
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Local Reactions and Farmer Sentiments:
While the snowfall interrupted daily functions in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir, some locals enjoyed the winter wonderland. Surprisingly, farmers expressed happiness over the fresh spell of snow, as reported by ANI. While snowfall is usually a cause of concern for them, this time it seems to have brought some relief.
Avalanche Alert in Himachal Pradesh:
Along with Jammu and Kashmir, the Lahaul and Spiti regions in Himachal Pradesh also received heavy snowfall. The local police issued an avalanche alert for the region on Friday, according to an official advisory cited by news agency ANI. The advisory stated, “According to the DGRE and HPSDMA, there is a snow avalanche warning (Danger Level 3, Orange) in District Lahaul & Spiti up to 28th February 2025 (1700 hrs. IST). Medium-size avalanche triggering is possible on few extreme slopes, and restriction of movement to only safe routes is advised.”
Safety Advisory for Locals and Travelers:
The locals and travelers have been advised to be cautious and limit movement to designated safe routes. The authorities are working to clear the snow and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Conclusion: The heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir has created a winter wonderland but also brought significant challenges in terms of travel and daily activities. As the weather is expected to improve, efforts are underway to clear the roads and restore normalcy. The picturesque landscapes, however, continue to captivate the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
