Following the recent snowfall over the higher reaches, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority has on Thursday issued a 'medium-danger level avalanche warning' for four districts of the Kashmir division.
Higher reaches in J&K received light snowfall for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, with more snowfall likely in the coming days, said the MET Office in Srinagar.
The meteorological department has predicted improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Saturday onwards.
Director of MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said, “Rains lashed plains while moderate snowfall was recorded in higher reaches on Saturday and Sunday.”
He further stated, “The ongoing wet spell will continue, and thereafter we are expecting improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Friday afternoon onwards.”
The higher reaches, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Bandipora, Kupwara, Budgam, and Shopian, experienced a fresh spell of snowfall, while rains lashed the plains, he said.
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The MET, in its latest weather-related advisory, said that surface traffic might witness some disruptions, especially over Sadhna Pass, Razdhan Pass, the Sonamarg-Zojila-Gumri axis, Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass, and other major roads of hilly districts.
It also stated, “Tourists, travellers, and transporters are advised to plan accordingly & follow Admin, traffic advisory.”
A JKDMA spokesperson said, “An avalanche with a medium danger level is likely to occur above 2,800 metres over Baramulla, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, and Ramban in the next 24 hours.”
He added, “People living in these (specified) areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into the avalanche-prone areas till further orders.”
Apart from the warnings, Mughal Road, Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba have already been closed for vehicular movement due to snow accumulation along the roads.
Additionally, the Karnah-Kupwara road has been closed for traffic movement after fresh snowfall at Sadhna Top.
The Border Roads Organisation has initiated snow-clearing operations to restore vehicular movement.
Residents in avalanche-prone areas have been requested to dial 112 in case of an emergency, they said.
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