Kashmir: Roads closed, flights cancelled due to heavy snowfall; avalanche alert issued

Kashmir: Roads closed, flights cancelled due to heavy snowfall; avalanche alert issued

107420931Kashmir was undergoing a dry spell of winter this year, with snowfall for the longest time, raising concerns of global warming. However, now, as per the latest news reports, Kashmir woke up to a winter wonderland on Sunday.

This snowfall has disrupted normal life, and has resulted in cancellation of flights at Srinagar airport, while traffic on the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway was stopped for nearly four hours following a landslide in Jammu’s Ramban district. Heavy snowfall was also reported from the higher reaches of the valley, while the plains saw a moderate snowfall. The critical Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closing due to landslides, has effectively paralyzed transportation in the region.

While snow clearing operations are underway, traffic movement continues to be slow due to slippery roads. The snowfall that resumed on Sunday after a brief pause, compelled authorities to cancel all incoming and outgoing flights from Srinagar airport for the day.

An official from the Airports Authority of India cited adverse weather conditions in Srinagar as the primary reason for the disruptions.

107382450With regard to this, IndiGo, a private carrier, issued a statement and stated that because of weather-induced disruptions, they had to cancel six flights, including four to Srinagar and two to Leh. The airline explained that the closure of runways at Srinagar and Leh airports compelled them to take such measures. Despite the inconvenience, the airline assured that the passengers were informed about the cancellation, and that they assured affected passengers of options, such as full refunds, alternative travel sectors, or rescheduled flights.

Adding to the transportation woes, Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police reported the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Kishtwari Pather due to landslides. Though partial clearance for stranded vehicles was done later in the day, authorities issued advisories against unnecessary travel on the highway.

Kashmiris, who had endured a long dry spell this year, were greeted with joy as the snowfall transformed the region into a breathtaking landscape. The moderate to heavy snowfall overnight brought smiles to countless faces, providing a stark contrast to the earlier desert-like appearance of the valley.

107420970As snow clearance operations kicked off in the early hours of Sunday, efforts intensified to make roads traffic-worthy and restore connectivity. The challenges posed by the weather indicates the region’s vulnerability to sudden weather changes, and indicates the need for resilient infrastructure that is capable of withstanding and recovering from such natural events.