3 Dead, 12 Rescued as Snow, Flashfloods Disrupt Life in J&K
Srinagar 01 March 2025: Heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir has disrupted surface connectivity across many areas, with flashfloods and landslides exacerbating the situation. The severe weather conditions have led to tragic incidents, road closures, and multiple rescue operations.
Tragic Incidents:
- Udhampur District:
- Incident: Two people were killed when a boulder from a hillock struck their two-wheeler near Moungari in Udhampur district. The victims included a 50-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son.
- Reasi District:
- Incident: A 14-year-old was swept away in Reasi on Thursday.
Rescue Operations:
- Kathua District:
- Rescue: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued 11 workers from a construction company after a flashflood hit the Ujh River in Kathua district. Continuous rains had lashed the Jammu region, leading to the flashflood.
- Nikki Tawi Area, Jammu:
- Rescue: Jammu police were alerted at 5:40 am about a dumper driver stranded in Nikki Tawi area, where the vehicle was submerged in water due to a sudden flash flood. The driver had been desperately standing atop the vehicle’s roof, and the police successfully rescued him.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions:
- Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH):
- Closure: The highway saw heavy snowfall between Ramsoo and Qazigund, with shooting stones and landslides occurring between Nashri and the Navyug Tunnel. Multiple sections of the highway were blocked due to rain and snow, and cracks appeared in several parts of this vital road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country. Restoration work continued through the evening.
- Other Key Roads:
- Sinthan and Mughal Roads: These roads connecting the Valley were also closed due to snow accumulation.
- Jammu-Katra Stretch: Traffic on this stretch of the NH was suspended due to major cracks, with traffic to the Vaishno Devi shrine diverted through the Panthal road.
Impact on Education:
The J&K Board of School Education postponed examinations for Class 10, 11, and 12, scheduled for March 1 and 3, in ‘hard zone’ areas of J&K and Ladakh. New dates have been issued for these exams.
Snow Clearance Operations:
Snow clearance operations are ongoing in the mountainous districts of Jammu, including Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi. Authorities have advised residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel due to the hazardous conditions created by heavy snowfall, slippery roads, and ongoing rains.
Ladakh:
In Ladakh, snow has severely affected surface traffic. The UT administration has issued warnings, urging people to stay away from avalanche-prone areas. Imtiaz Kacho, the Administrator of the Municipal Committee in Kargil, visited various areas to oversee snow clearance efforts.
Conclusion:
The heavy snowfall and flashfloods in Jammu and Kashmir have caused tragic incidents, road closures, and rescue operations. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents and travelers. As the region continues to grapple with severe weather conditions, it is crucial for everyone to stay informed and exercise caution.
