Low-danger level avalanche warning for 11 districts in J&K

For the third consecutive day, an avalanche warning has been issued by State Disaster Management Authority in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours.

The avalanche warning has been issued to Kupwara, Bandipore, Baramulla, Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban and Reasi.

Avalanche with a medium danger level is likely to occur above 2000 metres over the Kupwara district in next 24 hours, State Disaster Management Authority said in the statement.

State Disaster Management Authority further said that avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 2000 metres over Anantnag, Bandipore, Baramulla, Doda, Ganderbal, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban and Reasi in the next 24 hours.

People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into the avalanche-prone areas till further orders, State Disaster Management Authority said in the statement.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district have shifted over 200 workers of Mega Engineering and Infrastructure Limited company to a safer location. The decision comes days after an avalanche hit the Ganderbal area during which two labourers died.

An official said, “We have shifted over 200 workers of Mega Engineering and Infrastructure Limited Company to a safer location as threat looms over the area following the avalanche prediction. Army, police and local administration stepped forward and carried a rescue operation and shifted workers to safer places”.

Adding that he said, “We understand the seriousness of the situation and we understand that the life of every individual is important. Also, the administration is on the toe and is very much prepared to tackle any situation”.
In another statement, the Indian Army after hectic efforts succeeded in evacuating 172 workers stranded at the Zojila Tunnel construction site in J&K’s Ganderbal district.

An Army statement said on Sunday, “Yesterday in a major avalanche occurrence near Sarbal Nilagrar workers of the construction company got stuck.

“Avalanche rescue teams of Army and Ganderbal police got into action & after hours of gruelling effort finally all 172 workers were brought to safety.

“This incident happened immediately after 12 January when due to a major avalanche two workers lost their lives.

“Having received the information 34 AR got into action. A detailed plan was made. Army pressed into effect not only avalanche rescue equipment but also avalanche rescue dogs.”

A senior official said that no effort would be spared to save the lives of the bravehearts working in the Zojila tunnel tirelessly.

Meanwhile, A 55-year-old labourer was buried in a landslide in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.

Ganesh Dass, a resident of Tagood village, was trapped under the landslide during road construction at the Kuntwara village this afternoon, the officials said.
They said rescuers retrieved Dass’ body this evening.