Avalanche warning issued for J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Chandigarh: An avalanche warning was today issued for higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand asking people not to venture in these areas over the next 48 hours.

An advisory was issued by the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) here.

'Medium danger' avalanche warning exists for avalanche prone areas above 3,000 metres in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipur, Kargil, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, Rajauri, Doda and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the advisory said.

For Himachal Pradesh, it said 'medium danger' avalanche warning exists in areas above 3,000 metres in Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Chamba and Kinnaur districts.

Similar warning has been issued for areas of Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts in Uttarakhand.

"People are advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas over next 48 hours," the advisory said.

Pharkian and Haddan Taj area of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall of 2 cm and 5 cm respectively while areas like Banihal Top, Kanzalwan received rainfall during last 24 hours, it said.

In Himachal Pradesh, Bahang, Solang Nala and Dhundi had also witnessed rainfall of 1.2 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm, respectively, it said.