Vehicles, shops damaged in glacier collapse in Bharmour

Even as skies cleared on Wednesday following heavy snowfall, a glacier collapsed in the Oat Nullah area of Pulan Panchayat in Bharmour subdivision, causing damage to vehicles and shops, while an avalanche also struck the Sukhoi Nullah area of the Pangi Valley. Authorities said no loss of life was reported in either incident.

According to local officials, the glacier collapsed around 1:30am, striking two parked pick-up vehicles and three roadside shops. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported as the drivers had parked their vehicles and returned home earlier in the evening.

The two pick-up vehicles had transported goods from Bharmour and were parked near Ot Nala. The sudden glacier slide pushed both vehicles, along with their goods, into a deep ravine. As of the latest reports, the vehicles have not yet been traced.

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Three shops belonging to Ghadlo Devi, wife of Jaihari Ram and a resident of Pulan village, also suffered extensive damage. One of the buried pick-up vehicles belonged to her, while the other was owned by Bunty, another resident of Pulan village.

Soon after the incident, teams from the local administration and police rushed to the spot. Search and damage assessment operations are currently underway to locate the buried vehicles and assess the extent of losses.

Pulan Panchayat Pradhan Anita Kapoor confirmed the incident, stating that she personally visited the site to review the situation and coordinate relief and safety measures.

Villagers said a glacier collapse of this magnitude has occurred in the area for the first time in nearly 50 years, creating fear and anxiety among residents.

The incidents followed exceptionally heavy snowfall in the region. The area received three to four feet of snow on January 23 and 24 followed by over two feet of fresh snowfall on Tuesday, leading to glacier movement and avalanche activity.

Meanwhile, an avalanche also struck the Sukhai Nullah area in the Pangi Valley following heavy snowfall. Officials confirmed that no loss of life or property was reported in the avalanche incident.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, warning that unstable snow and glacier conditions continue to pose serious risks in high-altitude areas.