Avalanche Strikes Srinagar-Leh National Highway, Resulting in 7 Fatalities

An avalanche occurred on the Srinagar-Leh national highway near Zero Point at Zojila Pass in the afternoon, impacting a convoy of passenger vehicles navigating the snow-covered route. Local officials reported that the sudden avalanche posed significant risks to travelers, leading to the temporary closure of the highway for safety reasons.

The Zojila Pass, situated at an altitude of approximately 11,575 feet, is a critical link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, particularly important during the transportation of goods and regional travel. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and are assessing the conditions to ensure the safety of stranded passengers and any potential casualties.

This incident underscores the challenges posed by winter weather in mountainous regions, where avalanches can occur due to heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack. As part of ongoing safety measures, travelers are advised to monitor weather conditions and seek updates from local authorities before embarking on journeys in this area.