Heavy snowfall in Kashmir upper reaches, squall hits Jammu

Jammu/Srinagar, Oct 19 (UNI) A high velocity squall followed by hailstorm hit the Jammu city while the upper reaches of the Kashmir valley received heavy snowfall today even as cold weather conditions persisted in plains resulting in considerable drop in temperature.

The entire Jammu city plunged into darkness while mobile and landline services were disrupted after a high-velocity squall hit the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir at 1730 hrs this evening.

Several billboards and hoardings came crashing down due to the dust storm, which lasted nearly an hour.

The squall was followed by hailstorm, which completely paralysed normal life in the temple city. Sewers and drains were choked as a result of which lanes and by-lanes besides houses in the Jammu city filled with water.

While mobile services were partially restored, electricity was still affected at the time of filing of this report.

Meanwhile, heavy snowfall was witnessed at Khilanmarg, Apharwat and other upper reaches of Gulmarg since early this morning. A few inches of snowfall had accumulated on the slopes.

A report from Pahalgam said the upper reaches in the area, including the periphery of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, received heavy snowfall since morning.

About one feet of snowfall was recorded at Sheshnag, Mahagunas, Pissu Top, Sangam Top and Panjtharni on way to the cave shrine.

Besides, the upper reaches of north and south Kashmir, those of the Sonamarg area on the Srinagar-Leh national highway also recorded heavy snowfall.

The plains, including the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced biting cold since this afternoon.

UNI AG VJ VD BST2111