TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD) Heavy snowfall has plunged Kashmir into chaos, disrupting transportation and essential services across the region.
With blocked roads, canceled flights, and damaged utility networks, daily life for residents has come to a halt.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country, remains closed due to heavy snow accumulation and multiple landslides. Over 1,200 vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies, are stranded along the highway. Officials have said that road-clearing operations are underway, but unsafe conditions continue to hinder progress.
At Srinagar International Airport, flight operations have been suspended indefinitely due to poor visibility and snow-covered runways, leaving travelers stranded. Authorities have advised passengers to stay in touch with airlines for updates on rescheduled flights.
The power infrastructure in the region has taken a severe hit, with damaged transmission lines plunging many areas into darkness. While authorities have managed partial restoration in some places, large sections of the Valley remain without electricity.
Water supply systems have also been disrupted as freezing temperatures and blocked pipelines cause acute shortages. Residents in affected areas have been urged to conserve water until services are fully restored.
Emergency teams are working around the clock to clear roads and repair utility networks. Meanwhile, the meteorological department has predicted improved weather in the coming days, offering some hope to the beleaguered population.
This snowfall has highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather, raising concerns about the preparedness of its infrastructure to withstand such crises. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and report emergencies to local disaster management teams.(TDD)