Srinagar, Mar 31 : Higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall while the plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by intermittent rains accompanied by gusty winds on Tuesday, causing a dip in temperatures and triggering multiple road closures across the region, officials said.
The inclement weather led to landslides and snow accumulation along the Bandipora-Gurez road, particularly near Razdan Top, resulting in the stranding of several vehicles, they said.
Officials said the district administration, along with teams from the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), safely evacuated 22 vehicles carrying tourists and other passengers. The vehicles were stranded at multiple locations due to snow, mudslides and falling rocks, with strong winds adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams.
All stranded tourists were provided necessary assistance, including medical aid, they added.
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, was blocked due to multiple landslides at several places, officials said. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore traffic on the arterial road, they added.
A landslide was also reported in the Uri area of Baramulla district, blocking the road. Authorities deployed men and machinery to clear the debris.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast erratic weather conditions across the region till April 10. An official said intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, was witnessed till late night, though improvement was expected from Tuesday.
The MeT office said that from March 31 to April 2, brief spells of light rain or snow may occur at isolated places, particularly during late afternoon hours, while generally cloudy conditions with scattered precipitation are expected on April 3 and 4.
Partly cloudy weather is likely between April 5 and 7, followed by fresh spells of light rain or snow at scattered locations from April 8 to 10.
The MeT office has warned of the possibility of moderate rainfall at a few places and moderate snowfall over higher reaches of north and central Kashmir, along with thunder, lightning and gusty winds. It also cautioned about the risk of landslides at vulnerable locations and advised travellers to follow traffic advisories.
Meanwhile, authorities in Ganderbal, Anantnag and Kupwara districts have issued avalanche warnings in prone areas, urging residents to avoid unnecessary movement until conditions improve. (KNS)
