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Kashmir Freezes: Sub-Zero Temperatures Trigger Health and Water Crisis

An intense cold wave has gripped Jammu and Kashmir, with temperatures falling below freezing across the Valley, freezing water taps and puddles. Medical experts warn the cold causes a roughly 20% increase in heart attacks, urging vulnerable people to take extreme precautions. The region faces a critical 39% winter rainfall deficit, with the crucial "Chillai Kalan" period yet to deliver heavy snowfall. This lack of snow threatens to deplete perennial water sources, setting the stage for a severe water shortage during the upcoming summer months.

Key Points: J&K Freezes: Sub-Zero Temps, Heart Warnings, Snow Deficit

  • Valley temperatures plunge below zero
  • Heart attack risk rises 20% in winter
  • Critical 39% rainfall deficit this season
  • Major snowfall needed to avert summer water crisis
2 min read

Intense cold grips J&K, night temperatures below zero throughout Valley

Intense cold grips J&K with temperatures below freezing. Cardiologists warn of a 20% rise in heart attacks. A major snowfall deficit threatens summer water scarcity.

Intense cold grips J&K, night temperatures below zero throughout Valley
"The incidence of heart attack shoots up by about 20 per cent during the winter months in Kashmir. - Cardiologists"

Srinagar, Jan 3

Intense cold gripped Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as the minimum temperature dropped below the freezing point throughout the Valley, with water taps and water puddles freezing.

Srinagar city recorded the minimum temperature at minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg (minus 6.5) and Pahalgam (minus 5.2).

Jammu city recorded 7.9 degrees Celsius, Katra town 6.6, Batote 4.2, Banihal 2.7 and Bhaderwah minus 1.5 as the night's lowest temperature.

Water taps in Srinagar city and other cities and towns in the Valley were frozen in the morning, while water puddles on roads and streets froze due to the intense cold sweeping the Valley.

Cardiologists have cautioned people, especially those with heart ailments, not to venture out of their homes in the mornings. Even during the day, such people have been advised to wrap themselves in layers of warm clothes.

Cardiologists said that the incidence of heart attack shoots up by about 20 per cent during the winter months in Kashmir due to increased blood pressure and enhanced blood platelet activity.

Despite the 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold, 'Chillai Kalan', which started on December 21, a heavy snowfall has still not occurred in the Valley, with the plains yet to witness the season's first snowfall so far.

The weatherman also does not have good news on this front as the weather is expected to remain cloudy, cold and generally dry till January 20.

The Chillai Kalan will end on January 30, and if a major snowfall does not occur by that time, then the summer months will be very testing times for the people.

So far, Jammu and Kashmir has faced a 39 per cent rain deficit this winter. If the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains do not get replenished by heavy snowfall this winter, there would be little water to sustain rivers, streams, springs, lakes and wells during the hot summer months.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 20% increase in heart attacks is alarming. The advisory from cardiologists is crucial. People should really listen and not take the cold lightly. Wrapping up in layers is basic but so important.
A
Aman W
No heavy snowfall yet? That's worrying. The article rightly points out the water crisis in summer if the reservoirs aren't filled. It's not just about the cold now, it's about water security for the coming year. The authorities need to have contingency plans ready.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Gulmarg last year during this time was magical but brutally cold. Minus 6.5 is no joke. Respect to the locals who live through this every year. The infrastructure there needs to be robust to handle these temperatures.
V
Vikram M
Chillai Kalan is the real test. But a 39% rain deficit is serious. While the cold is immediate, the lack of snow is a slow-moving disaster for agriculture and drinking water. Hope the weather pattern changes before the end of January.
K
Kriti O
The article is informative, but I wish it gave more practical advice for residents. Like how to safely thaw pipes or community heating centers. Just telling heart patients to stay in isn't enough if their homes are also freezing. More proactive measures are needed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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