Srinagar receives fresh snowfall

Srinagar, Mar 12 (UNI) Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed fresh snowfall early this morning after heavy rains during the night.

The famous ski resort of Gulmarg and other north Kashmir areas witnessed heavy snowfall, disrupting normal life.

Tree and roof tops, electric polls and roads had turned white as the people woke up this morning in Srinagar and its adjoining areas, resulting in considerable cold forcing people to wear woolens.

This was the first major snowfall during 2007 in the city.

Almost all the roads in the city were under water after the snow started melting as the day progressed.

A majority of schools in the city registered a very low attendance as students remained confined to their houses because the roads were under water due to poor drainage system.

Flood like situation prevailed in some areas, including Badshah Nagar, Natipora, Azad Basti, Banapora, Nowgam, Bemina, Kursoo and other low lying areas in the city.

A UNI report from Baramulla said the town and its adjacent areas also received about six inches of snowfall since this morning.

Reports of snowfall were also received from Sopore, Handwara, Kupwara, Karnah and Bandipora in north Kashmir.

The Sadhna top recorded about two feet of snowfall leading to closure of the Kupwara-Karnah road. About 70 passengers were recently rescued by police and army when they were caught in a snow avalanche at Sadhna top.

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