Sonamarg: A terrifying display of nature’s fury was witnessed in Sonamarg late last night when a massive avalanche thundered down the mountain, striking the Sarbal area (near the truck yard and toll post). Miraculously, no casualties have been reported, but the visuals captured by security cameras have gone viral, showing the sheer scale of the snow cloud in the dark.
The Incident: What Happened?
- Time: The avalanche struck around 10:12 PM on Tuesday night (reported morning of Jan 28).
- Location: The slide originated in the upper reaches of Sarbal, impacting the area near the Truck Yard and Inter Mountain structures.
The Visuals:
Unlike previous daylight incidents, this was a sudden night-time event.
- The Footage: Viral CCTV footage shows a quiet, snowy street suddenly disappearing under a billowing cloud of white powder within seconds.
- The Impact: The force of the wind and snow dust engulfed nearby structures, but the main debris settled before causing structural destruction to inhabited areas.
Official Confirmation: Zero Casualties
The J&K Police and Disaster Management teams responded immediately.
- Police Statement: “A low-to-medium danger avalanche struck the Sarbal area at approximately 10:12 PM. Debris is being cleared. No loss of life or property reported.”
- Precaution: Workers at the nearby construction site had been moved to safer locations earlier due to the JKDMA High-Danger Avalanche Warning issued on Monday.
Why This Matters To You
This video serves as a stark reminder that avalanches can strike at any hour, not just during the day.
- Travel Status: The Srinagar-Leh Highway and roads near Sarbal are currently closed for snow clearance.
- Safety Warning: Avoid venturing out near mountain slopes after dark, as visibility of approaching slides is zero.
Key Highlights Box
- 🚨 Event: Night Avalanche (Sarbal Truck Yard).
- 📹 Evidence: Viral CCTV Video confirming the impact.
- ✅ Status: No Injuries; Snow Clearance Underway.
- ⚠️ Warning: Stay indoors during heavy snowfall alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: No. Snow clearance is ongoing by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), but the highway remains closed due to heavy accumulation. Please check J&K Traffic Police updates before planning travel.
A: Yes, the main hotel area in Sonamarg town is safe. This incident occurred in Sarbal, which is slightly ahead of the main market area.
A: Sarbal is situated at the base of steep slopes and is a known avalanche-prone zone, especially during heavy snowfall.
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