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Army Rescues 214 Stranded in J&K's Sinthan Pass Amid Heavy Snowfall

Alert troops of the Indian Army's 19 Rashtriya Rifles, along with J&K Police, conducted a major rescue operation in Sinthan Pass, saving 214 stranded tourists and local civilians from heavy snowfall and treacherous conditions. The region has experienced significant fresh snowfall, with Sinthan Pass receiving 12 inches and other key passes also affected. The MET department has forecast continued rain and snow across J&K until March 20, advising travelers and farmers to plan accordingly. While the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remains open, other routes like the Mughal Road have been closed due to the severe weather.

Key Points: Indian Army Rescues 214 from Snowbound Sinthan Pass in J&K

  • 214 rescued from Sinthan Pass
  • Joint Army & Police operation
  • Heavy snowfall disrupts travel
  • Weather alert till March 20
  • Multiple passes receive fresh snow
2 min read

Army rescues 214 stranded people including tourists in J&K's Sinthan Pass in heavy snowfall

Indian Army and J&K Police rescue 214 stranded tourists and locals from Sinthan Pass amid heavy snowfall. Latest weather forecast for Jammu & Kashmir.

Army rescues 214 stranded people including tourists in J&K's Sinthan Pass in heavy snowfall
"braving incessant snowfall, treacherous terrain and extremely low visibility, soldiers... carried out a joint rescue operation - Officials"

Srinagar, March 16

Alert troops of the Indian Army braved highly inclement weather including heavy snowfall to rescue 214 stranded passengers from Jammu and Kashmir's Sinthan Pass, officials said on Monday.

"After heavy snowfall disrupted movement in the Sinthan Pass connecting the Valley with Kishtwar district of Jammu division, braving incessant snowfall, treacherous terrain and extremely low visibility, soldiers of 19 Rashtriya Rifles along with J&K Police carried out a joint rescue operation at the mountain pass.

"Despite harsh weather conditions and slippery road condition, the teams successfully evacuated 214 stranded tourists and local civilians and ensured their safe movement to secured locations", officials said.

Meanwhile, higher reaches of J&K received fresh snowfall during the last 12 hours. The ski resort of Gulmarg received fresh snowfall on Monday morning.

Sinthan Pass received 12 inches, Zojila Pass 5 inches and Sonamarg 3 to 4 inches of fresh snowfall during the last 12 hours.

The MET department has forecast rain/snow in J&K till March 20.

Generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate rain/snow at many places mostly towards evening and morning hours till March 20.

"From March 21st to 23rd March dry weather is expected in J&K. Transporters/travellers and general public travelling over higher reaches and mountain passes are advised to plan accordingly.

"Farmers are advised to suspend farm operations till March 20", MET department officials said.

The minimum temperature was 5.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city on Monday while it was minus 2.5 in Gulmarg and 0.8 in Pahalgam.

Jammu city had 11.3, Katra 8.8, Batote 4.4, Banihal 4.5 and Bhaderwah 3.5 as the minimum temperature today.

Heavy snowfall at Pir Ki Gali has closed the Mughal Road connecting the Valley with Rajouri-Poonch in Jammu division.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is open for traffic today, traffic department officials said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Incredible work by the rescue teams. 214 people is a massive number. I do wish the local administration would improve weather forecasting and warning systems for tourists though. Many might not have been aware of how severe the conditions could become.
P
Priya S
This is heartwarming. My cousin was in Gulmarg last week and said the snowfall was sudden. Thank God for our armed forces. They are always the first responders, whether it's a border or a mountain pass. Real heroes!
R
Rohit P
The MET forecast says more snow till 20th. Tourists planning trips to J&K should please check advisories. It's beautiful but can be dangerous. Respect to the J&K Police as well for the joint effort. 🙏
V
Vikram M
Stories like this never get old. While we are safe in our homes, these men are out there in minus temperatures saving lives. This is the kind of news that fills you with pride. Well done, 19 RR!
D
David E
Visiting from Canada and I'm impressed by the coordination. Rescues in heavy snow with low visibility are extremely challenging anywhere in the world. Kudos to the teams for getting everyone to safety.

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