Avalanche warning in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: A medium danger avalanche warning was today issued for area close to Line of Control in Kashmir and Banihal town on Jammu-Srinagar national highway even as one-way traffic was restored on the arterial road connecting the valley with rest of the country.

"A medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for Keran Machil, Gurez, Chowkibal, Uri and Tangdhar areas where moderate to heavy snowfall was witnessed earlier in the week," Coordinator Natural Disaster Management Cell, Aamir Ali, said.

The avalanche warning has also been issued for north Kashmir Ski resort of Gulmarg, Jawahar Tunnel in south Kashmir and Banihal town. "The people living in these areas or going to these places are advised to take precautions and avoid going towards avalanche prone zones," Ali said.

Kashmir valley witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall, mostly in hilly areas, during the past week, leading to closure of several roads including Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

A spokesman of the Traffic Department said the 294-km road, connecting Srinagar to Jammu, was today thrown open for one way traffic to allow vehicles from the winter capital to reach the Valley.

He said vehicles from Srinagar will be allowed to ply towards Jammu tomorrow and this arrangement of allowing one-way traffic from either side on alternate days will continue till further orders.