Snow warning for JK, HP, UKD; relief from cold in plains

There was some respite from wintry conditions in northern plains even as fresh snowfall occurred in Kashmir Valley on Sunday with IMD predicting heavy to very heavy precipitation in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the next three days.

“There will be heavy to very heavy snowfall and rain in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from February 1 to February 3,” said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In view of the prediction for heavy to very heavy snowfall and rain due to a western disturbance in the region, the authorities concerned in these states have issued alerts, asking people living in the areas situated above 2,500 metres not to venture out of their homes during the period. Necessary arrangements are also being put in place.

An alert for three days starting on Sunday has been issued by the Uttarakhand administration. Forces “deployed in the border districts of Uttarakhand hills have all been alerted to deal with any 

eventuality,” Disaster Management & Mitigation Centre Executive Director Piyush Rautela said. The administrations in these districts have been asked to be vigilant and keep a tab especially in areas situated above 2,500 metres that will be more vulnerable to avalanches, Rautela said.