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Twin Avalanches Block Bandipora-Gurez Road, BRO Launches Clearance Ops

Two consecutive snow avalanches have struck the strategic Bandipora-Gurez mountainous road in north Kashmir, severely disrupting traffic. The Border Roads Organisation has mobilized specialized teams to clear the massive snow and debris blocking the highway. This incident follows a recent large-scale rescue by the Indian Army, which saved 235 civilians stranded by heavy snowfall at Sinthan Top. The Army's successful operation involved providing food, shelter, and medical aid in treacherous conditions.

Key Points: Avalanches Hit Bandipora-Gurez Road, BRO Clears Snow

  • Twin avalanches block vital mountain pass
  • BRO mobilizes specialized clearance teams
  • Vehicular movement in Gurez Valley disrupted
  • Army recently rescued 235 civilians at Sinthan Top
2 min read

J-K: Twin avalanches hit Bandipora-Gurez road; BRO launches clearance operations to restore connectivity

Twin snow avalanches disrupt the strategic Bandipora-Gurez road in Kashmir. BRO teams mobilize for clearance ops to restore vital connectivity.

"The operation concluded successfully, with all civilians and vehicles safely escorted to safety. - White Knight Corps"

Bandipora, March 23

Vehicular movement in the Gurez Valley of north Kashmir was disturbed on Monday after two consecutive snow avalanches struck the vital 85-km-long Bandipora-Gurez mountainous pass.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has mobilised specialised teams to the affected sites to clear the massive accumulation of snow and debris blocking the highway.

The two back-to-back snow avalanches striking the 85-km-long Bandipora-Gurez area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district severely disrupted traffic movement along the strategic route. Soon after the incident, snow clearance operations were performed by BRO's 56 RCC teams on a war footing to restore connectivity.

The India Meteorological Department, Srinagar, recorded a minimum temperature of 5°C this morning, with the mercury expected to reach a maximum of 17°C. The city is witnessing a generally cloudy sky, with light rain expected later in the day. Other major stations in the division show cooler conditions:

Earlier this month, the Indian Army rescued 235 civilians and 38 vehicles stranded at Sinthan Top in the general area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, due to heavy snowfall and severe weather conditions.

The troops of White Knight Corps carried out the swift rescue operations despite the treacherous terrain and relentless snowfall.

Rescue teams reached Sinthan Top on Sunday and provided hot meals, drinking water, and shelter to the stranded civilians, White Knight Corps said.

Repair and recovery teams restored the mobility of stranded vehicles, while passengers from unrecoverable vehicles were safely evacuated. Medical teams rendered assistance and essential medicines to those in need.

"The operation concluded successfully, with all civilians and vehicles safely escorted to safety. The mission witnessed seamless coordination between the Indian Army, J&K Police and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), reaffirming the Indian Army's commitment to safeguarding lives in the harshest conditions," White Knight Corps said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is heartbreaking for the residents. That road is a lifeline. While the rescue efforts are commendable, we need more permanent solutions for these avalanche-prone areas. Better forecasting and infrastructure investment are long overdue.
P
Priya S
My cousin is posted with BRO in J&K. The stories he tells about clearing these passes in winter... it's a different level of dedication. Providing hot meals and shelter during rescue shows real humanity. Prayers for everyone's safety. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The coordination between Army, Police, and NHIDCL is key. Seamless ops save lives. But we also need to think about climate change - these extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in the Himalayas.
K
Kavya N
Imagine being stranded with your family in that cold. Hats off to the White Knight Corps! "Safeguarding lives in the harshest conditions" isn't just a line, it's what they do every day. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: The article mentions the BRO mobilizing "specialised teams," but it would be helpful to know what makes them specialised. More details on the technology and methods used for snow clearance would increase public awareness and appreciation.
V
Vikram M
This is why

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