Srinagar, (KMW NEWS): The Major Dust Storm, which hit the Gulf Countries particularly, Oman in the past days traversed to Sindh 
regions causing heavy and fast blowing windstorms in the adjoining and adjacent areas especially the South Asian Regions (Pakistan& India) but is luckily now subsiding. The conditions like visibility and pollutant air are improving rapidly in the areas as suggested by the meteorological data. A Moderate Dust-Storm has now affected Pakistan and has taken J&K into its influence including other parts of India like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Reports coming from Pakistan especially Karachi indicates “Widespread dust”,” Blowing Sand.
The imagery received via remote sensors clearly shows the dust plume lying in the North Arabian Sea. As the imagery suggests, there exists a High-pressure system somewhere over Iraq and a low pressure prevailing over the Arabian Sea, which has ultimately boosted the North (Shamal) winds. A powerful jet stream and mid atmospheric winds have started bringing the dust towards India (Gujarat, Rajasthan and adjoining areas) also, rendering hazy conditions over the same areas.
Right now, conditions are much relaxed in the Gulf countries, especially Oman that was the epicenter of the event. However, the satellite imagery shows some dust spread over Saudi Arabia southern end. However, the persisting winds shall be sending the dust more towards Sindh area and India especially Gujarat area.
The prevailing windstorms in Kashmir are a consequence and impact of the same processes, which has been blowing at an average speed of 24.7 knots and reached maximum speed of 40 knots. This has all been attributed to the resultant steep pressure gradient over the Valley causing the same, resulting in damage to properties, in the Valley.
Recent reports suggest that so far “17 persons have been injured, 29 Residential houses fully damaged, 6670 Partially/Severely, 2166 non-residential, 6 government buildings, and 10 house boats partially damagedâ€. Also a 45 years old person namely Mohammed Maqbool Magray of Kachnambal, Kangan has reportedly expired due to a branch of Chinar tree falling on himâ€
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in an emergency meeting reviewed the situation at Srinagar, which was also attended by Minister of State Home & Revenue, Nasir Aslam Wani, among other officials. Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir province had earlier ordered all schools to remain closed for the day for the safety of the students. All offices were, however, open and essential services were being restored on war footing basis. Moreover, All Deputy Commissioners have been asked to activate control rooms in their districts so that the rescue and relief can be coordinated.
Meanwhile, High Danger avalanche warning has been issued by the authorities for higher reaches of Drass, Bhimbat, Kaksar, Gumri, Matayan in Ladakh province.
Medium danger warning exists for Razdan top, Kanzalwan, Dawar, Niru, Baruab, Chakwali, while low danger warning has been issued for Dhudi, SM Hill, Gugaldara, Machhil, Gagangir, Sonamarg, Zojila, and Gumri.
People living in these areas have been advised to take precautions especially Drass areas of Kargil district where high danger avalanche warning has been issued
