Medium danger avalanche warning issued

Scoop News February 13, 2012

Srinagar, February 13 (Scoop News) –Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed today for vehicular traffic, due to fresh snowfall at Banihal, Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop. However, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon directed Beacon authorities to ensure snow clearance operation on war footing basis and the highway is expected to be opened for traffic by today late evening or early morning. Air traffic with the Valley, had got affected in the morning, but was restored in the afternoon and all flights operated, except the morning Go-Air flight which got cancelled. The Kargil Courier between Srinagar and Kargil got cancelled, due to bad weather.

Amir Ali, officer on special duty at the provincial headquarters, told that snow clearance started early morning by the Mechanical Engineering Department and all Inter-district roads and major roads in the districts were open for traffic. Work was in progress for the inner roads at D.H. Pora, Kulgam and Kulan. Snow depth recorded at various places is Chararisharief 4 to 5 inches, Yusmarg 4 to 5 inches, Gulmarg 12 to 18 inches (fresh), Kupwara 4 to 5 inches, Pulwama 2 inches, Shopian 3-4 inches, Anantnag 1 to 2 inches, DH Pora 9 to 10 inches, Pahalgam, 15 to 18 inches, Kulan 7 to 8 inches, Vailo 4 to 5 inches, Tral 2 to 3 inches, Kulgam 5 inches, Kupwara, 4 to 5 inches.

On the basis of information from SASE, the Coordinator, Divisional Disaster Management Authority issued a medium danger avalanche warning for higher reaches of Banihal, Gulmarg, Chowkibal, Tangdhar, Keran, Machil and Gurez areas. People living in these areas above the height of 8000 feet have been advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas and to take precautions.

Electric supply in the valley by and large remained normal, excepting disruption in some far flung areas and the Kursu-Padshahibagh transmission line, which is expected to be restored by late evening today. The electric department was supplying around 850 MW power, as against 900 MW being supplied, at the same time, yesterday.

The weather is expected to start showing improvement from Tuesday.

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