Jammu, Feb 04 The Meteorological department (MeT) on Saturday predicted more rains or snow in the next 24 hours over the state. An official in the MeT department said, “There is possibility of moderate to heavy rains or snow at most of the places across the state.”He informed that there is possibility of heavy rainfall or snowfall at isolated places as well. “The weather would likely improve from Feb 06,” he said.Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for the vehicular movement on the second consecutive following the slippery conditions of roads. Inspector General (IG) Traffic Police, Sahfqat Watali said, “In case of fair weather, only Light Passenger vehicles from the either sides on Srinagar-Jammu highway will be allowed.”He said that the vehicles coming from Srinagar-Jammu has to cross Tunnel by 02:00 pm while the vehicles coming from Jammu-Srinagar has to cross Nagrota by 11 and Udhampur by 01:00 pm.IG traffic, appeal people to ensure the timing and said that people must contact the traffic department including him to check the conditions of the highway before leaving towards their destinations from the either sides The summer capital, Srinagar, and its adjoining areas received rain this evening disrupting normal life, while a fresh avalanche warning has been issued for the Kashmir Valley and border district of Kargil in Ladakh region for the next 24 hours.After recording below 4 degree Celsius, below normal maximum temperature during the day due to cloudy sky and icy cold winds, Srinagar received heavy downpour this evening. Rain started after lightening, hardly seen during this period of “Chilai-e-Khurd” in winter in the past.Divisional Administration Kashmir today issued a fresh medium danger avalanche warning for next 24-hours for hilly and avalanche prone areas of Kashmir Valley and Kargil district.“Medium danger avalanche warning valid for next 24-hours from February 04 to February 05, 2017 (1700 hrs) exists for avalanche prone slopes in Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag and Kargil districts of Kashmir Division” a statement of the Divisional Administration said. Accordingly, Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division including Kargil have been asked to take precautionary measures in their respective districts and advise people not to venture in avalanche prone areas during the aforementioned period and to keep clearing snow depositions from roof tops of their houses and bunkers to avoid damages. Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Saturday issued avalanche warning for next 24 hours for higher reaches and avalanche-prone areas of Kupwara district. He said medium danger avalanche warning exists for Keran, Karnah, Machil Tanghdar, Budnamal, Jumgund Nowgam, Kumkadi, higher reaches of Kralpora area and other sloppy areas of the district from February 3 to February 4, 2017.
Accordingly, people residing in these areas have been asked to take necessary precaution while moving outside their homes and refrain from venturing outside during the night hours for their own safety.
In case of any exigency general public have been asked to contact the district administration control room on 01955-252280, 253335, 9596472005, PCR Kupwara/Handwara on 01955-252451 and 01955-262295 respectively
Fresh avalanche warning issued; More rains, snow in next 24 hours
