Watch: Massive Avalanche Engulfs Jammu And Kashmir's Sonamarg Tourist Resort

2026-01-28 11:16:32

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A massive avalanche hit Jammu and Kashmir's Sonamarg resort on Tuesday night, as per reports by Indian media outlets after a CCTV footage circulated online showing the scary scene unfolding.

The footage, which was captured around 10.12pm, shows a wall of snow hitting the tourist resort with full force, as it comes down from a mountain behind and maneuvers its way through the buildings below.

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Authorities confirmed that despite the force, no fatalities were reported in the incident. Sonamarg, a popular spot among tourists, saw heavy snowfall on Tuesday as the valley experienced a dip in temperatures amid the cold wave.

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Watch the video captured by the CCTV camera that was also struck as the avalanche engulfed surrounding buildings.

Thousands of vehicles were stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar highway since Monday due to snowfall in Kashmir. Meanwhile, clearance work was underway amid heavy snowfall in Anantnag, which halted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the Qazigund area.

Meanwhile, Srinagar Airport on Tuesday issued a statement for several flight cancellations in view of the unfavourable weather conditions and prevailing operational constraints. Among them, six Indigo, two Air Akasa, and three Air India Express flights had been cancelled till 9am.

"Due to prevailing adverse weather conditions at Srinagar Airport, additional flights have been cancelled for today. The updated list of cancelled flights is attached. Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate arrangements," stated the airport in its statement.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas in the Jammu region are experiencing snowfall and rain since Tuesday, with Srinagar receiving "slight continuous snowflakes".

The IMD issued a weather warning of isolated thunderstorm activity with lightning, hail, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) over Jammu and Kashmir. Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Rajouri district, witnessed heavy snowfall this season, with the Kotranka-Budhal belt in the Pir Panjal range receiving significant snowfall, turning the region into a major tourist attraction. Local residents said that such heavy snowfall has not been seen in nearly 25 years.

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma said that due to western disturbances, heavy snowfall has occurred in the Pir Panjal range, with maximum snowfall recorded in the Thanamandi and Kotranka sub-divisions.

"During my visit to Thanamandi, basic facilities and essential services were reviewed, and their restoration was checked. Electricity restoration at Kotranka will be completed by tonight. Vehicular movement will be within 1-2 hours. Continuous work on road traffic management is underway from early morning," he said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted rations, water, electricity, medical care and emergency services.

Inputs from ANI