8 tourists rescued as Sonamarg snowslide buries vehicles

Wani Majid

Ganderbal, Mar 29: A massive avalanche struck the picturesque hill station of Sonmarg in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Friday, burying several vehicles under heavy snow and triggering a multi-agency rescue operation that saved eight stranded tourists.

The avalanche, a sudden release of snow masses and ice on slopes, hit the Hung area of Sonmarg, known for its pristine beauty and a popular tourist destination. Authorities swiftly responded to the emergency, with teams from the Ganderbal police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army’s 34 Asam Rifles, local residents, and other agencies converging at the site to conduct rescue operations.
According to eyewitnesses, the avalanche speed was estimated to be between 50 and 200 km/h, a range typical for large dry-snow slides, which generate a powder cloud due to the steep avalanche path.
Eight tourists, trapped inside the vehicles buried under the massive snow avalanche, were successfully rescued by the joint efforts of the authorities and local residents. No casualties have been reported so far.
Avalanches, a natural phenomenon in mountainous regions like Kashmir, can be deadly and destructive. While dry-snow avalanches like the one witnessed in Sonmarg can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, wet-snow avalanches are denser and slower, with speeds ranging from 20 to 100 km/h.
The rescue operation in Sonmarg highlights the importance of prompt response and coordination among various agencies and local communities in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters in the region.
As the authorities continue to assess the situation and ensure the safety of tourists and locals, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and preparedness to deal with the ever-present threat of avalanches in Kashmir’s picturesque but treacherous terrain.