Srinagar/Shimla: Heavy snowfall and incessant rain have battered Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread disruption in transportation and daily life. Several key roads, including highways and mountain passes, have been blocked due to snow accumulation and landslides, leaving commuters stranded.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remains closed due to heavy snowfall in the Banihal sector and landslides in Ramban. Authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid unnecessary travel. Air traffic has also been affected, with several flights delayed or canceled.
In Himachal Pradesh, popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Kufri have been blanketed in snow, drawing tourists but also causing travel difficulties. The Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel have witnessed heavy snowfall, leading to temporary closures. The state government has deployed snow-clearing machinery to restore connectivity in affected areas.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of more snowfall and rain in the coming days. Authorities are on high alert, advising residents and travelers to exercise caution as temperatures continue to plummet. Emergency services and disaster response teams have been mobilized to deal with any untoward incidents.
