First snowfall in Kashmir, six-month-long dry spell ends

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Srinagar, Nov 30 (UNI) Upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced the season's first snowfall while plains, including the summer capital had rains after about six-month-long dry spell.

Lakhs of people prayed for early rains in different mosques across the valley at Friday congregations as long dry spell had resulted in water shortage, fall in power generation, severe cold and cold related diseases.

Finally the Western Disturbances (WD), which were going astray without touching Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, entered the region yesterday afternoon.

A report from world famous ski resort of Gulmarg said it was snowing heavily since this morning.

The ski slopes had turned white with about six inches of snow, a hotel owner told UNI over phone from Gulmarg.

He said the snowfall followed rains early this morning.

The tourists were delighted to see the snowfall for the first time, he said, adding that authorities were expecting record number of tourists, particularly adventure lovers and skiers, this winter.

Almost all upper reaches in the valley, including Gurez, Keran, Karnah, Machil and other areas near the Line of Control (LOC) also experienced snowfall.

The holy Amarnath cave also experienced heavy snowfall since last evening, official sources said, adding that Sheshnag, Mahaguns and Panjtherni also had one to two feet of snowfall.

The upper reaches in Zojila and Drass's also experiencing snowfall since this morning.

The summer capital, Srinagar and other plain areas had rains today, thus ending about six month long dry spell.

There was some improvement in the night temperature last night.

The minimum was recorded at 0.5 degree's against minus 4.8 degrees on November 28 and minus 2.8 degrees yesterday.

Severe cold, coupled with unscheduled and frequent power cuts and water shortage continued to affect normal life in the valley.

UNI

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