Srinagar: Heavy snowfall disrupted normal life across Kashmir on Saturday. It halted transportation, power supply and daily activities. Srinagar is experiencing its season’s first snowfall and recorded eight inches, while Anantnag and Pahalgam received up to 17 and 18 inches, respectively. Southern districts saw the heaviest snowfall, with Shopian and Kulgam recording up to 25 inches. Gulmarg is a ski destination. It accumulated 15 inches and north Kashmir’s Gurez saw 10 inches.
Tourists get shelter
Amidst the disruptions, locals showed humanity as they opened their homes and mosques to the stranded tourists. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, wrote in a post on X, “Heartening to see Kashmiris opening their Masjids and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and help in times of need.”
Heartening to see Kashmiris opening their Masjids and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and help in times of need. pic.twitter.com/pkEeF1oLBG
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) December 28, 2024
Highway closed
Snowfall disrupted power, leaving 780 power feeders non-functional, but restoration efforts are underway. Authorities prioritised clearing main roads and hospital routes, while interior roads remained blocked. The harsh Chillai-Kalan winter period continues to grip the region, with temperatures rising slightly in Srinagar to -1°C from -7.3°C earlier.
