Avalanche warning issued in higher reaches of Kashmir

Srinagar: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday issued an avalanche warning in higher reaches of the state with weatherman predicting moderate to heavy snowfall during the next three days in several parts.

Travellers were also cautioned to take Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in view of the weather forecast.

In view of the prediction, the deputy commissioners of north and south Kashmir districts advised people living above 2,500 meters altitude to exercise restraint and avoid avalanche prone areas especially in Tangdhar, Machil and Keran along the Line of Control.

"The people are advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas from February 1 to 3, besides keep cleaning the snow deposition from roof tops of the houses and bankers to avoid any untoward incident during the snowfall," an official spokesman said.

He said people are also advised to temporarily evacuate those locations which are under the line of avalanche.

The Deputy Commissioners also directed the concerned officers to be in readiness and to activate their manpower and machinery to ensure that there is no disruption of essential services like power, water and health care, he said.

In another advisory, the traffic police has asked the people to contact the Control Rooms in Jammu and Srinagar before proceeding for travel on the 294-km arterial road connecting the Valley with rest of the country.

"As per advisory issued by the traffic police, people in general and passengers and drivers in particular are advised not to start their journey on the national highway from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa without confirming the road or weather status from Traffic Control Rooms at Ramban, Jammu and Srinagar.

"This advisory has been issued on the basis of weather reports which predict moderate to heavy snowfall especially in Banihal to Jawahar Tunnel sector and Jawahar Tunnel to Qazigund sector from February 1 to February 3.

"Besides, heavy to moderate rainfall in Ramban area, which may trigger landslides on national highway between Ramban-Ramsoo sector," an official spokesman said.