Avalanche warning for Jammu and Kashmir

CHANDIGARH: An avalanche warning was today issued for higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir, advising people not to venture in these areas over the next 48 hours.

The advisory was issued by Chandigarh-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment ( SASE), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO) here.

'Medium danger' avalanche warning exists for avalanche prone areas above 3,000 metres altitude in Baramula, Kupwara, Bandipur, Kargil, Rajouri, Gandarbal, Doda, Poonch, Riyasi, Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the advisory said.

Pharkian, Z-Gali, Banihal Top, Gulmarg, Haddan Taj and Neelam areas of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall of 66 cm, 41 cm, 6 cm, 43 cm, 28 cm and 35 cm, respectively during last 24 hours.

In Himachal Pradesh, Dhundi and Patsio experienced fresh snowfall of 15 cm and 7 cm while Bahang and Solang Nala had witnessed rainfall of 20 mm and 15 mm, respectively, it said.