3 die, 3 feared washed away in river as rain wreaks havoc; NH closed
Heavy Snowfall and Rains Cause Havoc in Jammu and Kashmir, Avalanches Strike Kishtwar
Srinagar, Feb 27: Severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, continuous rainfall, landslides, and flash floods, have caused significant disruptions across Jammu and Kashmir. Multiple fatalities have been reported, along with road blockages, damaged structures, and traffic disruptions.
Fatalities and Accidents Due to Rains and Landslides
Three people lost their lives, and three others are feared to have been swept away in the Suran River in Poonch due to flash floods. In another incident in Reasi, a 14-year-old boy, Paviter Singh, was washed away in an overflowing nallah. His body was later recovered downstream.
A tragic accident in Poonch claimed the life of Wahid Ahmed, a private vehicle driver, when a boulder hit a Scorpio vehicle hired by CRPF. Two CRPF personnel on board sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Meanwhile, in Surankote, a tipper truck skidded off the road and fell into a gorge, killing the driver on the spot and injuring the helper.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was shut down due to frequent landslides and shooting stones at multiple locations in Ramban. Similarly, the Jammu-Kishtwar Highway was blocked for over five hours due to landslides at Drabshalla before being cleared. Several roads, including Reasi-Mahore, Mahore-Gool, and Mahore-Gulabgarh, were blocked due to landslides.
The heavy downpour caused severe waterlogging in Mendhar market, disrupting daily activities as roads were submerged, and business operations were impacted. Due to the highway closure, many vehicles were stranded at different locations.
Avalanches Hit Kishtwar and Gurez Valley
A massive avalanche struck the Beigpura area of Chhatroo in Kishtwar, though no casualties were reported. Another avalanche hit the Pingrari area of Dachhan but did not immediately threaten any settlements. Meanwhile, in Gurez Valley (Bandipora district), an avalanche damaged two residential houses in Khandiyal village, but no injuries were reported.
Temple Damaged in Samba Due to Lightning
A temple in Gurha Slathia, Samba, was struck by lightning, causing structural damage and injuring one person.
Heavy Snowfall in Kashmir
Higher reaches of Kashmir received heavy snowfall, with some areas recording between 3 to 5 feet of snow. Notable snowfall accumulations included:
- Z-Gali & Machil: 3.5 feet
- Sadna Top: 4 feet
- Affarwat: 5 feet
- Gulmarg: 1.5 feet
- Baramulla: 1 foot
- Srinagar: 1 inch
Impact on Transport and Services
The ongoing snowfall and inclement weather led to the suspension of chopper services to Katra Mata Vaishnodevi, along with the battery car service. The new yatra route via Tarakote also remained closed.
Weather Forecast
The Meteorological Department has predicted slight improvement in weather from February 28, with generally cloudy conditions and the possibility of light rain and snow from March 1 to 2. Light to moderate rain and snow are expected on March 3, while dry weather is anticipated from March 4 to 8.
Authorities have issued avalanche warnings for vulnerable areas, urging residents to remain cautious as relief efforts continue in affected regions.