Weather Alert: Rail, Air and Road Services Hit in Jammu Kashmir
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Life in Jammu and Kashmir has been severely disrupted due to continuous rain and snowfall, affecting rail, air, and road services. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed at several points between Mehad and the Cafeteria section of Ramban after the road collapsed, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. In addition, two flights were cancelled at Srinagar International Airport due to heavy snowfall, and other flights experienced delays of 30-50 minutes. Many people trapped by rising water levels in rivers and streams have been rescued, but the search for a missing newborn and two women, after an SUV plunged into the Pulastya River in Kalai, Poonch, continues.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, more heavy rain and snowfall are expected on March 3, with fluctuating weather conditions over the coming days. Snowfall continued through Thursday night, with moderate to heavy snow in the upper valley areas, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, while rain occurred in some plain areas.
Roads across the region have been severely impacted: The Ramsu-Qazigund road is blocked due to snow accumulation, and incidents of stone pelting, landslides, and mudslides have disrupted the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Srinagar-Leh Highway, Anantnag-Kishtwar Road, and Mughal Road are closed due to snowfall, while the Kupwara-Tangdhar and Bandipora-Gurez roads are also inaccessible. The Doda-Pul road remains closed due to stone pelting. Train services on the Budgam-Baramulla section were halted due to heavy snowfall on the tracks, although flight operations resumed at Srinagar International Airport on Friday after snow clearance.
Snowfall has been significant in many areas, with Sonamarg receiving up to three feet, Gulmarg four feet, and Pahalgam and Kokernag 10 inches. The Katra-Sanjhi Chhat helicopter service was suspended due to dense fog, and landslides continued in Ramban, particularly in areas like Magarkot, Battery Chashma, and Dallas. Other roads, including the Marmat road near Bhagran, are also blocked due to landslides.
In Jammu, 11 people trapped by the Ujj River flood were rescued by SDRF, police, and local residents. A bus also overturned near the village of Rakhmutthi due to the heavy rains, injuring two passengers. Meanwhile, the Tawi River water level has risen to dangerous heights, prompting police patrols and warnings for people to avoid the river.
Exams Postponed
Due to the ongoing bad weather, exams for classes 10th, 11th, and 12th scheduled for March 1 and 3 in hard-to-reach areas have been postponed. The exams will now be held on March 24 and 25. Schools in the winter zones of Kashmir and Jammu divisions will remain closed until March 7, extending the winter vacation by six days.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Disrupted
The Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been affected by the inclement weather. Landslides on the battery car route from Ardhkunwari to Himkoti Bhawan have caused its closure, and stone fall incidents on roads have made conditions worse. While battery car services are still available for advanced bookings, they are suspended for general devotees. Helicopter services have also been impacted, and the ropeway service between Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and Bhairo Valley is operating intermittently due to strong winds and rain. Devotees have been forced to travel by the traditional route, with many relying on horses, mules, and palanquins to reach the Bhawan. The bad weather continues to disrupt the lives of the locals and devotees, adding to the region's ongoing struggles.
