JK sounds high danger warning for avalanche-prone areas

Jammu and Kashmir today issued a 'high danger' warning for avalanche-prone areas in the valley following prediction of moderate to heavy snowfall during the next 24 hours.
"High danger avalanche warning valid for next 24-hours from January 25 to January 26 (1700 hrs) exists for avalanche prone slopes above 2,800 meter attitude in Kupwara, Bandipora, Anantnag, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kulgam, and Budgam districts," an official spokesman said quoting a statement issued by Divisional Administration, Kashmir.
He said the Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division including Leh and Kargil have been asked to advise people not to venture in avalanche prone areas and to keep clearing snow depositions from roof tops of their houses to avoid damages.

The spokesman said the higher reaches of Kashmir, Ladakh and hilly areas of Jammu are likely to receive heavy snowfall during the period.
"This may lead to closure of National Highway and disruption of surface and air transport. Further, movement in snowbound hilly and sloppy areas is not advisable during next 28 to 72 hours," he said.
The spokesman said moderate to heavy rain/snow is predicted at widespread places of the state during the next 24 hours.
An Army Major and four members of a family were among six killed today in avalanches and other snow-related incidents in different parts of Kashmir.

The high altitude areas of Kashmir valley experienced heavy snowfall during the past two days, while plains including Srinagar received intermittent snowfall and rains since Tuesday.