Avalanche warning in J&K, Himachal, U’khand for next 24 hours

An avalanche warning was issued on Saturday for higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, advising people not to venture into these places for the next 24 hours.

The advisory was issued by the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

‘Medium danger’ warning has been issued for avalanche-prone areas in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipore, Kargil, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, Rajouri, Doda and Poonch districts of J&K, the advisory said. The authorities have ordered the closure of all schools in Udhampur and Doda districts, following the warning.

For Himachal Pradesh, it said ‘medium danger’ warning exists in areas of Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Chamba and Kinnaur districts. Similar warning has been issued for areas of Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts in Uttarakhand.

Pharkian, Z-Gali, Kanzalwan, Banihal Top, Gulmarg, Haddan Taj, Neelam and Dras areas of J&K have witnessed snowfall in the last 24 hours.