A massive avalanche struck the Sarbal area of Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district late Tuesday night at around 10:12 pm.
The dramatic moment was captured on CCTV footage, showing a towering wall of snow
racing down the mountainside and engulfing houses, hotels, and parked vehicles.
A thick cloud of snow dust covered the area within seconds. Despite the scale of destruction,
officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported, thanks to early warnings and swift evacuation by authorities.
What Triggered the Avalanche
The avalanche was triggered by continuous heavy snowfall across Kashmir that began
late Monday. The prolonged snowfall significantly increased pressure on vulnerable Himalayan slopes.
Sonamarg had already been placed under a high-intensity avalanche warning, prompting
heightened alertness. Videos shared on social media, including by journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, showed the sheer force of the snowslide as it swept through areas near
the hotel zone. Thankfully, no major structural collapses or entrapments were reported.
Impact on Travel and Daily Life
Heavy snowfall disrupted life across Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed due to heavy snow accumulation near Navyug Tunnel, Qazigund, and Banihal, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded.
Meanwhile, Srinagar International Airport cancelled all 58 flights
(29 arrivals and 29 departures) as snowfall made runway operations unsafe. Areas near Zojila Pass remain especially vulnerable, even as projects like the Sonamarg Tunnel help reduce long-term risks.
Official Response and Safety Measures
Rescue teams and district officials immediately reached the affected areas to assess damage.
As of Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed no loss of life.
Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid avalanche-prone zones, follow official
advisories, and postpone travel plans as more snowfall is forecast in the region.
Why This Avalanche Is a Wake-Up Call
This incident highlights the recurring winter dangers in Kashmir’s mountainous regions.
Avalanches often follow prolonged snowfall, making advanced early-warning systems and timely evacuations crucial for saving lives.
The Sonamarg avalanche serves as a powerful reminder that while nature is unpredictable, preparedness and swift action can prevent tragedy.
❄️ When the Mountains Roar: Kashmir Escapes Disaster by Minutes
