Life thrown out of gear as snowfall, rain lash Jammu region

As predicted by the Meteorological Department, snowfall began late Thursday evening in most high-altitude areas, preceded by gusty winds, while intermittent rain lashed the plains, including Jammu city, throughout the night. Officials said snowfall ranging from a few inches to over two feet was recorded in upper reaches of Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua districts.

The 270-km Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), Mughal road, Sinthan Road and Srinagar-Leh road were shut due to heavy snow accumulation. The Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid travel until the roads are restored and declared safe.

Air traffic was also hit, with five flights cancelled and several others delayed at Jammu airport due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. A total of 32 flights were scheduled to operate during the day.

The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was temporarily suspended as the Trikuta hills received the season’s first major snowfall. Pilgrims were stopped at Katra from proceeding further. Later, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said the yatra was restored after improvement in weather and track conditions, even as devotees were treated to scenic views of fresh snowfall at the holy shrine.

Amid the inclement weather, police across districts carried out multiple rescue operations. In Udhampur district, police rescued 12 persons, including women and children, who were stranded in a heavy snowstorm at Chochru Galla in the Basantgarh area. Information was received at Police Post Sang, following which a team led by Head Constable Mushtaq Ahmed trekked several kilometres through snow-covered and foggy terrain to reach the spot. All stranded persons were safely rescued and provided food, shelter and medical assistance.

In Poonch district, police rescued around 70 people stranded at Totagali in Mendhar, while another 30 passengers stuck in the Krishna Ghati area were also safely evacuated. Police personnel were deployed at vulnerable locations across snow-affected roads to assist commuters, regulate traffic and ensure public safety. Hot beverages were also served to stranded passengers to provide relief from the cold.

Heavy rainfall caused power outages in several areas after trees fell on transmission lines. Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) officials said restoration work began early Friday. Due to incessant rain and snowfall, the power load dropped sharply to 140 MW at 4 am against the normal average of 1,070 MW. “Through sustained restoration efforts, the running load has been enhanced to 564 MW, restoring nearly 52 per cent of the power supply,” an official said.

Authorities ordered the closure of all schools in Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua districts as a precautionary measure. Police also established dedicated helpline numbers at district headquarters to respond to weather-related emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force postponed its recruitment drive scheduled for January 24 at Paloura Camp, Jammu, to February 6 due to waterlogging caused by continuous rainfall.

Avalanche warning issued for 6 districts

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir issue a high-danger avalanche warning on Friday for six districts following fresh snowfall. Avalanches with a high-danger level are likely to occur above 2,300 metres in Ganderbal district over the next 24 hrs. An avalanche with high danger level is likely to occur above 2,500 metres in Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Ramban in Jammu region, and Kupwara in North Kashmir. Officials urged the residents to remain cautious, avoid venturing into risky areas.