Medium danger avalanche warning in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, Feb 20: Authorities today issued a medium danger avalanche warning in higher reaches of Kashmir valley as weather department forecast heavy snowfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. An official of the state disaster management cell said the medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for Chowkibal, Tanghdar, Keran, Machil and Gurez areas in Kashmir valley and Banihal area on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, south of Pir Panjal range.

 A similar warning has been issued for Drass area in Kargil district. The avalanche warning has been issued on the basis of the reports from Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment and is valid for the next 24 hours, the official said. People living in these areas have been advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas and to take precautions, he said. The MeT department has predicted heavy snowfall and rains at isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir. In an advisory, the Met department warned that fresh western disturbances over the state and adjoining areas are likely to affect the weather of the region for four days beginning today.