Neyaz Elahi
Srinagar (NVI): Scores of houses and temporary structures have been damaged due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir Valley. The massive snowfall disrupted life for also the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday. Transmission lines and water pipe lines have suffered massive damage across the Valley.
Due to snow-furry, dozens of residential houses, sheds and temporary structures have suffered damages. South Kashmir that witnessed heavy snowfall has suffered maximum damage.
Roof tops of at least 6 houses were blown off due to continuous snowfall in Srinagar as well as other parts of Kashmir.
As per the preliminary reports, two casualties have been reported in Kashmir Valley due to the harsh weather.
A trooper died as he came under snow in Srinagar outskirts at the residence of a National Conference leader. Another casualty was reported from Thregam Kupwara where an elderly woman, Rehmat Begum, wife of Muhmmad Subhan Malik, came under a chunk of snow that came down crashing from the house.
The houses were damaged in several parts of Srinagar and Cheramarg Shopian, Khag Budgam, Dani Seydan and Nambla Uri Baramulla.
For the 4th consecutive day flights at Srinagar International Airport were disrupted. “We are waiting for the improvement in weather. Once it improves, flights will be operational,” said Director Srinagar Airport.
Meanwhile, all important roads are closed for the traffic. The Srinagar-Jammu Highway, Mughal road, Anantnag- Kishtwar road, Kupwara-Karnah road, Kupwara-Keran road, Kupwara-Machil road, Bandipora-Gurez road are all closed.
“Jammu-Srinagar highway remains blocked due to snow accumulation at Jawahar Tunnel and landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at Samroli, Magarkot, Panthyal, Marog, Cafeteria mor, Dhalwas, Nashri,” an official said.
However, electricity has now been restored in major parts of the Valley, a government official said.
“Emergency services to all hospitals with regard to power and water supply were restored on priority basis while field staff of almost every essential department are on ground restoring the damaged water-pipe and transmission lines,” the official said.
An official from Srinagar Municipal Corporation said that snow is being cleared from the compounds of various hospitals on priority to ensure hassle-free movement of people for medicare facilities, besides field staff have been directed to clear the snow from the roads to ensure free movement of people and vehicles.
A Meteorological Department official has said that there will be improvement in weather conditions from Wednesday afternoon.
-CHK
