Avalanche warning issued in Kashmir Valley

A "medium danger" avalanche warning was issued for people living in the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley, based on the observations of the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE).

"A medium danger avalanche warning exists for next 24 hours in hilly areas of Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Zojila, Khilanmarg, Uri, Baramulla, Kupwara, Tangdhar, Keran and Machil. People living in these avalanche prone areas are advised to take precautions," a state government official said here.

Due to massive deforestation in Kashmir during the last twenty years, even comparatively moderate snowfalls in the mountains have been causing avalanches as there is little tree cover to hold the accumulated masses of snow. These roll down into gorges and valleys as avalanches threatening human life and property.