Snowfall Turns Troublesome: Roads Blocked in Himachal and Kashmir, Police Rescue 5,000 Tourists

Heavy snowfall has caused a havoc in life, turning Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir's winter wonderland to be a nightmare for thousands of tourists. Close to 5,000 tourists remain stranded in the Himachal Kullu district as the entire region came to its knees due to heavy snowfall on Friday. While around 1,000 vehicles were reported stuck as well, it necessitated a massive rescue effort.

Tourists Rescued in Himachal Pradesh

Kullu Police: In a post on the social media site X, it confirmed rescuing stranded tourists and their vehicles. "Due to fresh snowfall, approximately 1,000 vehicles carrying 5,000 tourists were stuck in Solang Nala. All have been safely rescued and relocated to secure areas," said the police. Rescue operations continue in order to make everyone safe.

Snowfall Begins in Kashmir

In Kashmir, the Western Disturbance caused light to moderate snowfall in the entire region, with higher altitudes receiving heavier snowfall. Srinagar received three inches of snow, while Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama received their first snowfall of the season. However, the snowfall caused disruptions, including the closure of the Srinagar-Leh Highway and Mughal Road.

2,000 Vehicles Stranded in Kashmir

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway had become totally crippled as close to 2,000 vehicles got stuck. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir said that work was going on to clear the snow and resume the traffic.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he drove from Jammu to Srinagar through tough conditions and confirmed that efforts were being made to help stranded vehicles.

I drove from Jammu to Srinagar today. It snowed continuously from Banihal to Srinagar. The conditions were quite treacherous. I understand there are around 2000 vehicles stuck between the tunnel & Qazigund. My office has been in touch with the administration in South Kashmir.… pic.twitter.com/i8JOUDt4Fr

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 27, 2024

Orange Alert Issued in Himachal Pradesh

The entire state of Himachal witnessed heavy snowfall with an orange alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department due to continued snowfall and a cold wave until January 1. Residents and tourists have been advised to remain careful throughout the period.