*Heavy Snowfall Paralyzes Karnah, Road Connectivity Cut Off, Power Supply Disrupted*
PEERZADA SAYEED
Karnah, Jan 23 (JKNS): As predicted by the Meteorological Department, heavy snowfall has been recorded in the upper regions of Kashmir Valley, badly affecting normal life in the border and mountainous areas of Kupwara district.
The most severe impact was seen in Karnah Sub-Division, Tangdhar, Keran, Machil, and other remote areas, where heavy snow accumulation has disrupted daily life.
According to reports, 1 to 2 feet of snow has accumulated in Karnah Sub-Division, while around 3 feet of snow was recorded at Sadhna Pass, leading to the complete closure of the Karnah-Kupwara highway. As a result, the entire Karnah Valley has been cut off from road connectivity, causing serious difficulties in the transportation of essential supplies and movement of patients.
Several internal roads in Karnah, Chitrakoot, Jabdi, Jada, Kandi, Tangdhar, and other upper areas have also been buried under snow. Although snow clearance operations have started in some places, continuous bad weather has caused many roads to get blocked again.
The heavy snowfall has also severely affected the power supply. Due to falling trees and damaged electric poles, electricity has been completely disrupted in many areas, causing severe hardship to residents amid extreme cold conditions.
Meanwhile, in Chitrakoot Karnah, the roof of a poor woman Khatija Begum’s house collapsed due to heavy snowfall, leaving her family homeless under the open sky. Local residents have demanded that the administration immediately assess the damage and provide financial assistance so the affected family can relocate to a safe place.
Local sources reported that many trees have been uprooted due to the heavy snow load, further affecting transportation and damaging power infrastructure. There is also a risk of avalanches in some areas, which has created fear among the public.
According to the administration, snow clearance machinery has been deployed, and restoration work is being intensified in sensitive areas like Jabdi, Jada, Chitrakoot, and other locations. The Power Department has stated that restoration work is ongoing, but continuous snowfall and harsh weather conditions are making the task extremely difficult for the staff.
In view of the situation, the district administration has set up a control room and appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel to upper areas, especially Sadhna Pass and other high-altitude locations. The administration assured that emergency assistance will be provided whenever required.
People have urged the authorities to ensure immediate help to affected families, especially poor victims like Khatija Begum, and to take urgent steps for road restoration and power supply repair on an emergency basis. (JKNS)
