Avalanche Strikes Sonamarg as Snow Continues to Fall, No Reported Injuries

In Jammu and Kashmir, a severe cold snap and heavy snowfall resulted in a substantial avalanche in the Sarbal area of Sonamarg late Tuesday evening. A clip circulating online captured the snow surging toward homes and hotels, illustrating the urgency and danger of the situation. Fortunately, officials reported that there were no injuries or fatalities connected to this event.

The avalanche struck around 10:12 pm, causing an enormous mass of snow to tumble down the slopes towards adjacent structures. This area had already been on high alert for avalanches following incessant snow that battered the valley.

The Jammu & Kashmir Disaster Management Authority had previously issued avalanche warnings across 11 districts. Regions exceeding 2,000 meters in Ganderbal received high-risk alerts, while medium-risk warnings spanned several other districts, including Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Doda.

The continued heavy snowfall in Kashmir on Tuesday caused significant travel disruptions. The Jammu–Srinagar highway was closed, and all flights operating from Srinagar airport were canceled, leaving numerous tourists in limbo.

In a related rescue mission, the Border Roads Organisation managed to evacuate 60 individuals, including 40 Army personnel, who had been stranded under 5-6 feet of snow at Chattergala Pass on the Bhaderwah-Chamba Road for nearly two days. This operation required nearly 40 hours of continual effort.

Just last week, an unfortunate incident on the same road led to the tragic loss of 10 Army soldiers when their vehicle slid off a mountain slope at Khanni Top.

The region is on high alert as the ongoing heavy snowfall and risk of avalanches continue to threaten residents and travelers alike.