A dramatic avalanche event unfolded in the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night, with security cameras capturing the terrifying moment when a massive wall of snow descended upon the popular Sonamarg tourist resort. The incident occurred at approximately 10:12 PM local time, as subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall created dangerous conditions throughout the valley.
Surveillance footage circulated by Indian media outlets shows the powerful avalanche maneuvering through mountainous terrain before engulfing several structures in the resort area. Remarkably, despite the substantial force of the snowslide, local authorities confirmed no casualties resulted from the event, attributing the fortunate outcome to timely warnings and evacuation procedures.
The avalanche formed part of a broader weather crisis affecting the region, where western disturbances have triggered the heaviest snowfall witnessed in a quarter-century. The extreme conditions have paralyzed transportation networks, stranding thousands of vehicles along the Jammu-Srinagar highway since Monday and prompting significant flight cancellations at Srinagar Airport.
Meteorological officials from India’s weather department reported continuing snowfall and rainfall across multiple Jammu regions, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph. The Pir Panjal range, particularly the Kotranka-Budhal belt, has experienced exceptional accumulation, unexpectedly transforming the area into a tourist attraction despite the hazardous conditions.
Administrative response efforts are underway, with Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma confirming that restoration teams are working to reinstate essential services including electricity, road access, and emergency provisions. ‘Continuous work on road traffic management is underway from early morning,’ Sharma stated, emphasizing the priority of ensuring uninterrupted rations, water, medical care, and emergency services for affected communities.