Snow cripples normal life in Kashmir, 23 flights cancelled, Roads, highways closed

Srinagar: Normal life comes to standstill on Tuesday after the fresh snowfall across the valley led to the cancellation of nearly two dozen flight operations and also the closure of main roads and highways in Jammu and Kashmir. The weatherman however, has predicted the improvement in weather conditions from Wednesday afternoon.
Reports said Kashmir valley and some parts of Jammu division continued to experience fresh snowfall including the summer capital Srinagar, Srinagar where a snowfall of 5.5 mm was recorded till 05:30 PM. A fresh Western Disturbance (WD) started affecting J&K on February 18 and under its influence, many areas received fresh snowfall for the third consecutive day while after receiving rains for two straight days, Srinagar on Tuesday experienced a fresh snowfall.
According to the local Meteorological department, Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort and Kokernag in south Kashmir on Tuesday recorded a snowfall of 28.0 mm till 05:30 PM while Pahalgam on Tuesday received a snowfall of 27.7 mm. As per the reports, Sonamarg has recorded a snow depth of 5 ft in the last two days while Gulmarg has recorded a snow depth of 3.5 to 4 feet. In plains of south Kashmir, snow depth ranged from 3 inches to 9 inches Tuesday, reports said. At least 23 flight operations were cancelled in wake of the fresh snowfall and low visibility in Srinagar. Director Srinagar International Airport, Javid Anjum said that 11 flights were operated while 23 were cancelled due to the bad weather conditions. The flight operation has been completely suspended now, he said.
Due to the fresh wet spell, the major roads and highways including Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Mughal Road, Bandipora-Gurez Road and others continued to remain closed for vehicular movement. The officials said that heavy rains triggered landslides and shooting stones along NH-44. The landslides blocked the road at Dalwas, Mehad-Cafeteria, Ramban, Chamlwas and Gangroo while the shooting stones occurred at T2, Jaiswal bridge, Gangro, Marog and other places along NH-44 on Monday. “Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) is still blocked due to landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at several places. People are advised to avoid journey on NH-44 till the weather improves and the road is clear,” the officials said.
At least six train services were on Tuesday cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions. Officials in the Railway said that six trains were on Tuesday cancelled while many others got delayed due to bad weather conditions. In wake of the prevailing weather conditions, the authorities in the University of Kashmir postponed all examinations scheduled for tomorrow. “It is notified for the information of all concerned candidates that due to inclement weather conditions, all examinations of University of Kashmir which are scheduled to be held on 21st of February 2024 stand postponed. Fresh dates shall be issued soon,” KU officials said. Authorities in Islamia College have also postponed the examinations scheduled for tomorrow. Besides, all the internal/practical/Continuous assessment examination scheduled on 21.02.2024 stands postponed. Fresh dates shall be communicated to the students by the respective departments, it added.
Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate snow at many places till afternoon and late afternoon tomorrow. There will be gradual improvement thereafter following which no significant weather activity is expected till February 27, he said. About Jammu division, he said on February 21, intermittent light to moderate snow and rain is expected over many places till late afternoon, evening and gradual improvement thereafter following which no significant weather activity till February 27. In view of heavy to very heavy snowfall over few middle & higher reaches during the last 2 days, the travelers and tourists are advised to follow administration and traffic police advisory. “General public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in Avalanche prone areas & sloppy areas,” the local MeT said.
Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) has issued an avalanche warning for 10 districts, saying that low danger level avalanches are likely to occur above 2200 metres over Anantnag & Kulgam districts in the next 24 hours. Avalanche with Medium danger level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Bandipora & Baramulla districts in next 24 hours. Further, Avalanche with HIGH Danger Level is likely to occur above 2000 metres over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kupwara & Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours. People living in these areas have been advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.