By IANS
Srinagar : Kashmir was on avalanche alert Tuesday following heavy snowfall across the valley since Monday.
The disaster management cell of the state government warned the people that the avalanche risk remained high in north Kashmir and parts of south Kashmir in Anantnag and Kulgam districts.
“We have evacuated six families from the avalanche-prone Nad village in Kulgam district. All the deputy commissioners have been alerted as the valley is witnessing continuous heavy snowfall,” Amir Ali, project coordinator of the disaster management cell, told IANS Tuesday evening.
An avalanche Tuesday afternoon washed away a police barrack and another building near the Jawahar Tunnel that connects Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
“There is nearly eight feet deep snow near the tunnel. The police and paramilitary personnel, who guard the tunnel area, have been directed to move inside the tunnel as it is snowing heavily in the area,” a police officer said.
Heavy accumulation of snow in the tunnel area led to the closure of the Jammu- Srinagar national highway for the third day. The closure has caused shortages of essential commodities in the valley.
Life in capital city Srinagar was disrupted as it snowed heavily throughout the day. Attendances in offices were thin and deserted roads were covered in snow.
The snow in the north Kashmir hill resort of Gulmarg brought joy to tourists and the officials. Gulmarg will play host to National Winter Games later this month.