The picturesque landscapes of the Kashmir Valley have turned treacherous as heavy snowfall continues to blanket the region, leading to multiple snow avalanches in the Gurez area of Bandipora district and the Minimarg area along the Srinagar-Leh highway near Zojila.
In Gurez, several homes have been damaged at Khandiyal village due to the relentless force of the snow, with local residents witnessing the devastating impact firsthand. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos in Minimarg, where a sudden avalanche prompted people to flee for safety as snow cascaded down the mountainside.
In light of these severe weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for heavy rainfall, snowfall and thunderstorms expected to affect Sopore, Baramulla, Bandipora, and other higher-altitude areas starting Friday at 12:00 AM IST. The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy snowfall, with accumulations expected to exceed 12 cm, alongside thunderstorms featuring gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h, hailstorms, and lightning.
Authorities have issued a public advisory urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during this extreme weather event. They 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. People are also encouraged to prepare emergency supplies in anticipation of possible power outages.
The local administration are closely monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond as needed. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines, as the most parts of Kashmir valley are continuously witnessing snow rains since last two days.
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