Medium Danger avalanche warning issued, Air traffic normal.
SRINAGAR: Srinagar-Jammu Nationa
l Highway was closed today for vehicular traffic, due to fresh snowfall at Banihal, Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop. However, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon directed Beacon authorities to ensure snow clearance operation on war footing basis and the highway is expected to be opened for traffic by today late evening or early morning. Air traffic with the Valley, had got affected in the morning, but was restored in the afternoon and all flights operated, except the morning Go-Air flight which got cancelled. The Kargil Courier between Srinagar and Kargil got cancelled, due to bad weather.
Snow clearance started early morning by the Mechanical Engineering Department and all Inter-district roads and major roads in the districts were open for traffic. Work was in progress for the inner roads at D.H. Pora, Kulgam and Kulan. Snow depth recorded at various places is Chrar-i-Sharief 4to 5 inches, Yusmarg 4 to 5 inches, Gulmarg 12 to 18 inches (fresh), Kupwara 4to 5 inches, Pulwama 2 inches, Shopian 3-4 inches, Anantnag 1 to 2 inches, DH Pora9 to 10 inches, Pahalgam, 15 to 18 inches, Kulan 7 to 8 inches, Vailo 4 to 5inches, Tral 2 to 3 inches, Kulgam 5 inches, Kupwara, 4 to 5 inches.
On the basis of information from SASE, the Coordinator, Divisional Disaster Management Authority issued a medium danger avalanche warning for higher reaches of Banihal, Gulmarg, Chowkibal, Tangdhar, Keran, Machil and Gurez areas. People living in these areas above the height of 8000 feet have been advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas and to take precautions.
Meanwhile, a passenger bus, on way from Kargil to Leh met with an accident at Lamayuru, due to slippery road conditions. There were eight passengers on board, out of which four male passengers received minor injuries and were immediately admitted in Sub District Hospital Khaltsi, where their condition is said to be stable and they are likely to be discharged by tomorrow.
Electric supply in the valley by and large remained normal, excepting disruption in some far flung areas and the Kursu-Padshahi Bagh transmission line, which is expected to be restored by late evening today. The electric department was supplying around 850 MWs power, as against 900 MW being supplied, at the same time, yesterday.
The weather is expected to start showing improvement from Tuesday. (KMW NEWS)
