Srinagar, February 07 (KNO) : Amid Weatherman’s prediction of better weather from Friday forenoon, road and air connectivity of the valley with rest of the States remained cut for the second consecutive day on Thursday as life was thrown out of gear and majority of areas in the Kashmir reeling under darkness without electricity supply. Avalanches also hit different areas as well. Director Meteorological department, Sonum Lotus told KNO that weather will start improving from Friday forenoon and also predicted another wet spell for five days with moderate rain, snowfall.
“Significant improvement in weather will take place from tomorrow forenoon in Kashmir and for Jammu & Ladakh region it will improve as well,” Lotus told KNO. Heavy and continuous snowfall lashed Kashmir, Pir Panjal, hilly areas of Jammu and some parts of Ladakh including Kargil, Drass, Zanskar & some area of Leh district.
“We are expecting gradual decrease in snowfall from this evening," Lotus predicted. Meanwhile, Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed for vehicular movement while traffic on Saujiyan and Loran roads of Poonch district too were closed due to slippery roads.
Traffic police officials said that landslides occurred at various locations over the stretch that is the only road connectivity of Valley with rest of the world. Mughal road, and Sonmarg-Gumari road also remained shut for the commuters. Authorities at Srinagar International Airport also suspended operation following heavy snowfall and no flight operation to and from Kashmir took place.
"Due to poor visibility no flights operation could take place on Thursday. We hope the weather conditions improve and operations will resume on Friday,” the official said. Snow avalanche struck in central Kashmir's Budgam district and in Ramban district of Jammu division of the state.
An official told KNO that seven members of the family were rescued after avalance hit the Zogiyar village of upper Kokarbagh in Khag Tehsil of the district. In another incident snow avalanche hit Mahoo village of Ramban district. "Six houses were hit but people and livestock had been already removed from the area after predictions," an official said.
Snow avalanche again hit in Mangat village and three houses came under it. "Ten goats and some sheep were buried under it," officials said, adding that Army has been asked to help in rescue operations there.
Meanwhile, electricity remained snapped in majority of the areas of the valley following which protests erupted in Saida Kadal area of Srinagar over snapping electricity. The protesters demanded early restoration of electricity here, saying that they are being compelled to face hardships in absence of basic facilities in harsh winter conditions.(KNO)