The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A significant avalanche struck the Hung area of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district on Friday afternoon, as confirmed by police officials. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or property damage resulting from the avalanche.

According to a senior police official speaking to the Srinagar-based news agency KDC, the avalanche occurred in the Hung area of Sonamarg.

In response, a police team was promptly dispatched to the scene under the direction of SSP Ganderbal, Sandeep Gupta. The team successfully rescued two vehicles that were trapped under the snow avalanche.

The officer further assured that all passengers involved were unharmed.

SRINAGAR — A series of avalanches struck the scenic slopes of Gulmarg, bringing both tragedy and successful rescue efforts as authorities worked to ensure the safety of individuals amidst the winter sports activities.

In the aftermath of the avalanches, officials confirmed that all Khelo India athletes participating in the winter games were unharmed. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Sports Council Jammu and Kashmir, reassured the public, stating, "All Khelo India athletes are safe after the avalanche hits Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg J&K. All the fixtures are being run as per schedule."

The avalanches, including one at the Khilanmarg on Afarwat Peak, resulted in the loss of life of a skier and the rescue of three others. However, the sporting events at Kangdoori Phase 1, where the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are taking place, remained unaffected, with organizers ensuring necessary safety precautions.

Meanwhile, at a different location known as Army Ridge, a collaborative rescue operation involving the Gulmarg Ski Patrol, J&K Police, and district administration successfully rescued a group of six Russian skiers and one local guide. Tragically, one Russian skier lost his life in the incident, with condolences extended to his family and friends by officials.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, with one skier sustaining minor injuries but reported to be in stable condition.

SRINAGAR — Following heavy snowfall and concerns regarding avalanche threats, authorities have announced the closure of all schools in the Gurez sub-division for two days.

An official order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gurez stated that given heavy snowfall and avalanche threat, it is ordered that all government and private educational institutions in sub-division Gurez shall remain closed for two days with effect from February 21, 2024.

The order aims to ensure the safety of students and staff in the wake of adverse weather conditions. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to mitigate any potential risks posed by the recent snowfall and the possibility of avalanches in the region.

GULMARG — In the wake of another avalanche striking the health resort of Gulmarg, a group of local skiers displayed remarkable courage and cooperation, rescuing numerous individuals caught in the disaster and preventing potential tragedy.

An official was quoted by a local news agency as having revealed that two avalanches occurred at Affarwat in Gulmarg, instigating panic among the residents and visitors. The swift and selfless actions of local skiers, leveraging their intimate knowledge of the terrain and expertise in rescue operations, played a pivotal role in responding to the crisis.

Risking their own lives without hesitation, these local skiers successfully located and freed many individuals trapped beneath the snow, significantly reducing the potential for loss of life. Their heroic efforts proved instrumental in ensuring the safety of those affected by the avalanche.

A police officer, confirming the situation to the media, assured that all tourists are now accounted for and safe following the rescue operations.

This marks the third avalanche reported in the hills of Gulmarg within the past week, emphasizing the challenging conditions faced by the region and the crucial role played by local experts in mitigating the impact on residents and visitors alike.

SRINAGAR — Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have issued a comprehensive avalanche warning for multiple districts, emphasizing the need for residents to exercise caution and implement necessary precautions.

The advisory indicates a low danger level for avalanches in the districts of Doda and Ganderbal. Residents residing above elevations of 2800 and 3500 meters are strongly advised to remain vigilant and refrain from venturing into areas that may pose potential hazards.

Concurrently, a medium danger level has been announced for the districts of Poonch, Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara. Areas situated above 2400 meters are identified as at-risk zones, and residents are urged to promptly take precautionary measures.

"Residents in the identified districts are strongly advised to avoid travel or activities in avalanche-prone zones. Safety measures should be prioritized, and any emergencies or concerns can be reported by dialling 112 for prompt assistance," stated the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority in a statement.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Sunday issued an avalanche warning for 10 districts in the next 24 hours, amid prevailing inclement weather conditions.

The authority has warned of a possible 'High Danger Level' avalanche of 2500 metres above sea level over Doda, Kishtwar and Poonch districts.

Avalanche with 'Medium Danger Level' is likely to occur above 1500 to 2500 metres over Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam and Ramban, reads the advisory. Avalanche with 'Low Danger Level' is likely to occur above 1500 metres over Anantnag district.

"People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into the avalanche-prone areas," the advisory reads.

SRINAGAR — The administration has warned of an avalanche in 11 districts of Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours.

According to the news agency KNO, the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority on Sunday warned of a "medium danger level" above 2000 meters over Kupwara district in the next 24 hours.

It further said that an avalanche with "low danger level" is likely to occur above 2000 meters over Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban and Reasi districts in the next 24 hours.

"People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche-prone areas till further orders," the JKSDMA said.

GANDERBAL — The authorities have asked Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited to pay compensation to the families of two labourers who died on Thursday after an avalanche hit Sarbal area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

According to an order, as per the news agency KNO, Assistant Labour Commissioner Ganderbal has asked the company to pay due compensation to the families of both the deceased labourers.

On Thursday, two labourers identified as Balkrishna and Sandeep Singh—both residents of Kishtwar died after an avalanche hit Sarbal area.

The ALC has asked the company to at Rs 16.49 lakh to the family of Sandeep Singh and Rs 15.44 lakh to the family of Balkrishna as compensation. He has asked the company to deposit the amount with the court of Labour Commissioner within 15 days without fail.

The company has also been directed to produce the legal heir or dependent certificate of the deceased labourers so that the apportionment order shall be framed accordingly.

GANDERBAL — The bodies of two labourers, who got buried under the debris after an avalanche hit the Sarbal area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district Thursday morning, were recovered. Both were found dead.

An official, while speaking to the news agency KNO, said that Sandeep Singh, son of Munshi Ram and Bala Krishna, son of Bansi Lal, both residents of Kishtwar were killed in an avalanche. They were working at the Megha tunnel project, he said.

The bodies were sent to the mortuary PHC Sonamarg for medico-legal formalities.

Earlier, soon after the avalanche, the Police, Army, SDRF, Beacon and the Megha tunnel project team launched a rescue operation. "The area was closed for the time being as a precautionary measure and the residents were advised to stay indoors and not to venture out unnecessarily," the official said.

Meanwhile, in an effort to ensure the safety of workers in the Baltal area, Additional District Development Commissioner Ganderbal Mushtaq Ahmad said that all workers have been shifted to safer places.

According to Ahmad, 1275 workers employed by the company have been relocated so far. The ADDC provided an update on the retrieval of two missing workers. He said the bodies of the missing workers were located through the use of one worker's mobile phone.

“We were tracking both the workers since we received the missing report, and around the evening, we were successful in tracking one of the workers through his mobile phone. Soon after some time, we retrieved another body, and hence both the missing dead bodies were retrieved,” he said.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Mushtaq emphasized that all rescued individuals are safe and the situation is being closely monitored. "The cause of the workers' disappearance is currently under investigation," he added.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures for workers in potentially hazardous areas. The district administration has assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of workers in the area.

Police Statement

Meanwhile, a police spokesperson in a statement said, “The snow avalanche triggered today from the upper reaches of the Ranga Morh and accumulated at Sarbal area of Sonamarg. Initially, no report of loss of life and property was there. However, later on, when the snow settled, the management of Megha tunnel company reported that two labourers of their company have reportedly gone missing and got buried under the snow.”

Sonamarg Police, ART teams of the Army and SDRF teams reached the spot and started a search and rescue operation, he said, adding, “The site was still vulnerable as small snow slides were still coming from the top of the hill. After strenuous efforts, one dead body was recovered from the snow. The deceased is identified as Sandeep Kumar son of Munshi Ram, resident of Sara Padar Kishtwar.”

After some time, another missing person’s body was recovered from the site and the deceased has been identified as Bala Krishna son of Bansi Lal, resident of Gara Padar Kishtwar, the spokesperson said, adding that both missing bodies have been recovered by the rescue and search teams and the rescue and search operation has been stopped.

He further said that Megha company management has been asked to shift the workers to a safe location till the weather gets cleared.

“Helpline by District Police Ganderbal has already been issued in view of inclement weather. Till the weather improves, the general public has been advised not to venture out in vulnerable areas,” the police spokesperson said.

Lieutenant Governor expresses anguish

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed anguish over the avalanche incident.

Taking to Twitter, the LG wrote, “I am deeply anguished to learn of the unfortunate incident of snow avalanche at Sonamarg in which a precious life has been lost. Army, Police and SDRF teams are engaged in search & rescue operations. (I) directed district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected persons.”

SRINAGAR — Authorities have issued an avalanche alert in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh and have asked people to avoid going to higher reaches.

The alert has been issued for the districts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Doda, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Ramban, and Kargil.

“Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2500 metres over Bandipora, Baramulla, Doda, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Ramban and Kargil in next 24 hours. People are advised to avoid visiting higher reaches,” the advisory said.