Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Life in Northern India: Rescue Operations Underway
Severe Weather Conditions in Northern India
The northern mountainous regions of India are currently experiencing a stunning display of nature's fury. Since Sunday night, heavy snowfall in areas such as Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh has significantly impacted daily life, creating scenes of breathtaking beauty and disruption.
The snowfall has blanketed the premises of the Badrinath Temple, also known as Shri Badrinath Dham, under a thick layer of white snow. The surrounding peaks of Neelkanth and Narayan are also covered in snow, offering picturesque views. Additionally, a notable drop in temperature has been recorded in the region, bringing back severe cold to Badrinath and its nearby low-lying areas.
Extreme Cold at Kedarnath Temple
Earlier, on January 28, the sacred Kedarnath Temple experienced severe cold, with the temple area covered in 3-4 feet of snow and temperatures plummeting to -16 degrees Celsius.
Fresh Snowfall in Kashmir's High Altitudes
In Kashmir, moderate to heavy snowfall has been reported in most high-altitude areas, while the plains experienced rainfall, disrupting vehicle movement in several regions. Significant snowfall occurred in elevated areas such as 'Peer Ki Gali' on Mughal Road, 'Zojila Pass', 'Gurez Valley' in Bandipora district, 'Sadhna Top' in Kupwara district, and 'Sinthan Top', which connects Anantnag in southern Kashmir to Kishtwar in the Jammu region.
Officials noted that Sadhna Top received over 12 inches of fresh snow, while Sinthan Top recorded approximately six inches. Due to heavy snowfall near Sinthan Top, several vehicles became stranded, prompting police and army personnel to initiate a rescue operation on Sunday night, successfully evacuating 214 tourists and locals.
Road Closures Due to Snow
The snowfall has also led to the closure of several major roads in the valley, including the Gurez-Bandipora road, Sinthan-Kishtwar road, and Mughal Road, which serves as an alternative route connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region.
Traffic Jam in Manali
In Manali, sudden snowfall near the south portal of the Atal Tunnel has left over 1,000 vehicles stranded. Authorities reported that a large police force has been deployed to conduct rescue operations since Sunday.
Following heavy snowfall in the higher regions of Kullu, reports indicate that around 40 to 50 tourists are stranded at Jalori Pass. The Banjar police have successfully rescued two dozen tourists, and efforts are ongoing to reach the remaining individuals.
K.D. Sharma, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Manali, stated that they are personally overseeing the rescue operations to ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped.
Moreover, the police have requested immediate deployment of teams from the Border Roads Organization and other relevant agencies to the site. They have also appealed to the public for cooperation during these challenging circumstances.