A rescue operation on Monday successfully evacuated 22 vehicles carrying tourists and passengers stranded on the Bandipora-Gurez road in Jammu and Kashmir due to snow and landslides. The District Administration of Bandipora, along with the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Border Roads Organisation, coordinated the evacuation efforts amid challenging weather conditions.
The closure of the road near Razdan Top led to vehicles being stuck at various points following heavy snowfall and landslides. Despite the adverse weather with strong winds, rescue personnel swiftly responded to SOS messages from the stranded individuals. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, oversaw the evacuation process to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The Mechanical Engineering Department and Border Roads Organisation teams conducted a courageous operation to clear the road of snow and debris, allowing the safe passage of the stranded vehicles. All tourists were successfully evacuated, receiving necessary assistance and medical aid as required. The weather conditions in the region are expected to improve by Tuesday evening after persistent rain and snowfall.
District administrations in Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Kupwara have issued avalanche warnings, advising residents to stay indoors in avalanche-prone areas until the alert is lifted. Farmers and agriculturists are urged to halt agricultural activities until April 1 due to the prevailing weather conditions.
