Army rescues over 300 civilians from Zojila
Fayaz Bukhari/ Gopal Sharma
SRINAGAR/ JAMMU, Nov 22: Upper reaches of Kashmir and parts of Jammu witnessed fresh snowfall today while the plain areas of the region were lashed by rain, whereas, Army rescued over 300 civilians from Zojila area on Srinagar-Leh National Highway today.
While it was raining in Banihal and Ramban sectors of the Jammu region but movement of vehicular traffic from Jammu towards Kashmir remained smooth, except frequent disruptions due to shooting stones in Ramsu area late this evening.
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IG Traffic, J&K Alok Kumar said that over 3000 light and medium vehicles and over 4000 heavy vehicles crossed over to Valley from Jammu side today but after evening, intensity of rain increased in Ramban sector. And if the rain continued this way, the road is likely to be blocked any time, he said.
“The MeT has already predicted heavy rain and snowfall during night and morning hours. Tomorrow, if the weather improves and road remains open, the movement of traffic from Kashmir side to Jammu will be allowed. But the people must start their journey in the morning after confirmation from the Traffic Control Room about the fresh status of the road”, the IG said.
A MeT Department official said that North Kashmir’s ski-resort Gulmarg recorded more than six inches of fresh snowfall since Thursday night while Sadhna Top, Farkian Top and Zed Gali recorded 1.5 feet to two feet snowfall. He said reports of snowfall in other areas in the upper reaches of Kashmir, including at Zojila Pass, Sonamarg and Gurez, were also received.
Due to the fresh snowfall, roads leading to Keeran, Karnah and Machil were closed for vehicular traffic. Traffic to these areas was restored just three days back as after the heavy snowfall on November 7, the roads leading to Karnah, Keeran and Machil had remained closed.
The plains, including Srinagar, witnessed heavy rainfall through the day. The MeT official said there is forecast of more rain and snowfall in Kashmir over the next 24 hours. Due to the fresh snowfall, the third of the season, temperatures in the Valley dipped further.
The Director Meterological Department, Sonam Lotus, said that weather will improve from tomorrow morning. “Form tomorrow, the weather will remain good until December 4. After that we are expecting one more such spell due to Western Disturbances. As of now there is no forecast of heavy rain or snowfall except on hilly areas especially Ladakh and Kargil areas”, he said.
Lotus said Jammu’s Chenab region and Pir Panjal range might also receive some rain or snow. “Tomorrow onwards, the minimum day temperature will increase and weather will improve. We will like to advice people to check the status of Jammu- Srinagar National Highway and Srinagar- Leh highway before travelling”, he added.
Meanwhile, Army today rescued over 300 people from Zojila area, who were trapped there after snowfall and slippery road conditions.
A Defence spokesman said that due to the continuing Westerly Disturbances, the areas of Sonamarg, Baltal and Nilgrar upto Zojila Pass received heavy snowfall on night of 21-22 November. He said that since November 21, a large number of loaded trucks and passenger vehicles had moved from Sonamarg towards Zojila Pass. The heavy snowfall, especially on the higher reaches, resulted in many vehicles skidding off the road and getting stranded in the snow, causing traffic jam at many places. Almost 250-300 trucks and passenger vehicles got stranded near Zojila Pass.
The traffic jam resulted in a very dangerous situation, wherein approximately 300-350 people, including women and children, were stranded at above 11,000 feet height and temperatures at minus 7 degrees.
“In coordination with the civil administration, Army rescue columns moved in vehicles promptly with aid and administrative assistance to rescue the stranded civilians from the Zojila Pass”, the Defence spokesman said.
“While the Police and GREF personnel got busy with clearing the traffic and snow respectively, the Army columns started providing immediate medical aid and assistance. The stranded vehicles were recovered and organised for moving back. The passengers of the vehicles which were stuck badly were evacuated safely back to Sonamarg town in Army vehicles. Much needed Medical assistance, hot food and blankets were provided for the night by the Army. This immediate and pro-active action by the Army was critical in ensuring timely rescue, relief and saving precious lives. The humanitarian assistance provided to the people in their hour of need was much appreciated”, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, cold wave gripped Jammu with the rain in the entire region and snowfall on the higher reaches. Reports of heavy snowfall in Pir Ki Gali (Pir Panjal) area of Poonch, Seoj Dhar in Bhaderwah and higher reaches of Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua were received late this evening.
A sharp fall in Jammu’s temperature was recorded and entire region was gripped in the cold wave. Helicopter service to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine from base camp Katra, also remained suspended almost through out the day while as Air India flight at Jammu airport could not operate due to bad weather this evening.
A MeT spokesman said that Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 13.6 degree Celsius and maximum 18.5 deg C, which was nearly 2-3 degrees below normal. Katra recorded a maximum of 17.4 deg C temperature and minimum 13.6 deg C, Bhaderwah maximum 11.2 deg C and minimum 6.9 deg C, Batote maximum 12.4 deg C and minimum 7.5 deg C whereas, Banihal recorded maximum 10.0 deg C and minimum 7.4 deg C temperature today.
With the rain and snowfall in many hilly areas, the power supply has also been snapped. In some parts of Jammu city as well, the power supply was affected with the rain.
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