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22 Tourist Vehicles Evacuated After Snow, Landslide Block J&K's Gurez Road

A swift rescue operation led by the Bandipora District Administration successfully evacuated 22 vehicles carrying tourists stranded on the Bandipora-Gurez road. The road was blocked by sudden heavy snowfall, mudslides, and falling rocks near Razdan Top. Teams from the Mechanical Engineering Department and Border Roads Organisation worked under challenging weather to clear the debris and restore connectivity. The incident comes as the region faces adverse weather, with avalanche warnings issued in several other districts.

Key Points: Tourists Rescued After Snow Blocks Bandipora-Gurez Road

  • 22 vehicles with tourists stranded
  • Road blocked by snow and landslides
  • Swift action by District Administration
  • BRO and MED teams clear debris
  • Avalanche warnings issued in other districts
2 min read

22 vehicles with tourists evacuated after snow, landslide blocks J&K's Bandipora-Gurez road

Timely rescue operation evacuates 22 stranded vehicles with tourists in J&K's Gurez Valley after heavy snowfall and landslides block the road.

"successfully facilitated the evacuation of stranded vehicles and tourists from Gurez Valley - Officials"

Srinagar, March 30

A timely rescue operation on Monday helped the safe evacuation of 22 vehicles carrying tourists and other passengers after snow and a landslide blocked Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora-Gurez road.

Officials said that the District Administration of Bandipora, in close coordination with the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), successfully facilitated the evacuation of stranded vehicles and tourists from Gurez Valley following the closure of the Bandipora-Gurez Road due to heavy snowfall and landslides.

As many as 22 vehicles carrying tourists and passengers were stranded at multiple locations after sudden snow accumulation, mudslides, and falling rocks blocked the road, particularly near Razdan Top.

The situation was further aggravated by strong winds and stormy weather conditions, posing significant challenges to the personnel involved in the rescue operations. Upon receiving SOS messages from stranded tourists, the District Administration acted swiftly.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, closely monitored the evacuation process and issued necessary directions to all concerned departments to ensure the safety of the stranded passengers.

Responding promptly, the MED and BRO teams launched a brave and timely operation under extremely challenging conditions. The teams worked continuously to clear snow and debris, restoring connectivity and enabling the safe passage of stranded vehicles.

All stranded tourists were safely evacuated, and necessary assistance, including medical aid, was provided on the spot.

Incessant rain in the plains and light to moderate snowfall in the mountains adversely affected life in the union territory on Monday. The meteorological office has said that the present weather system will continue till Tuesday evening, after which improvement will start.

The district administrations in Ganderbal, Anantnag and Kupwara districts of the Valley have issued avalanche warnings in avalanche-prone areas and advised residents not to venture out of their homes unless absolutely unavoidable till the alert is withdrawn. Farmers and agriculturists have been advised to suspend agricultural operations till April 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is why we need better infrastructure in our hill states. Every year, landslides and snow blockages trap people. While the rescue is commendable, we need long-term solutions—better road engineering, more tunnels, and real-time weather monitoring for tourists.
R
Rohit P
As someone who travels to Kashmir often, I must say the authorities there are generally very responsive. Good to see DC Indu Kanwal Chib monitoring it personally. Tourists, please always check weather forecasts before heading to high-altitude areas like Razdan Pass!
S
Sarah B
So glad everyone is safe. The BRO does such incredible work in the most difficult terrains. Hats off to the teams who worked continuously in stormy conditions. This is a reminder of the risks our jawans and engineers face daily.
M
Michael C
While the rescue operation was successful, I have a respectful criticism. Should there be stricter regulations or advisories for tourist vehicles on such sensitive routes during unpredictable March weather? Prevention is better than a risky rescue.
K
Kavya N
Bhai, Razdan Top is no joke in bad weather! Been there once and the drive itself was an adventure. Salute to the MED and BRO teams. Also, good to see medical aid was provided on spot. Hope the farmers are okay with the suspended operations too.

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