Massive Avalanche Strikes Sonamarg in Jammu & Kashmir, No Casualties Reported
In a dramatic late-night event, a massive avalanche descended upon the Himalayan valley of Sonamarg in Jammu & Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 10:12 PM, when most residents and tourists were asleep, transforming the serene landscape into a scene of chaos. CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment, showing a powerful wall of snow thundering down the slopes, sweeping away homes, hotels, and vehicles in its path before burying them under deep layers of white. The visuals, which have since gone viral on social media, serve as a stark reminder of nature's formidable power in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
Swift Response and Miraculous Escape
Despite the avalanche's destructive potential, local authorities confirmed early on that no casualties or injuries were reported. The avalanche hit the Sarbal region, a locality known for its residential homes and hotels, but miraculously, everyone was indoors at the time, avoiding harm. Emergency teams and disaster response officials acted swiftly, inspecting the affected zone for survivors and assessing risks of further snow slides. Rescue crews remain stationed in and around Sonamarg, ensuring safety as the situation stabilizes.
Avalanche Risks and Warnings in Kashmir Valley
This avalanche is not an isolated incident, as the entire Kashmir Valley has been experiencing heavy snowfall, attracting tourists while posing significant risks. Meteorological reports had previously warned authorities and visitors about high-intensity avalanches in the upper regions. The Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with meteorological offices, issued danger warnings, particularly for snow-prone high-altitude areas like Sonamarg and Gulmarg. Residents and travellers are advised to avoid high-risk slopes and stay updated with alerts from disaster management and meteorological departments.
Travel Disruptions and Current Situation
The heavy snowfall has led to severe travel disruptions across the region. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, a major road connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, has been temporarily closed. Additionally, all flights at Srinagar International Airport remain cancelled, leaving many tourists and commuters stranded as they await clearer conditions. With weather forecasts predicting more snowfall, tourists in Kashmir are facing unexpected delays, highlighting the challenges of navigating this picturesque yet unpredictable terrain.
