Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 11: Strong winds created panic in Tulail valley of Gurez tehsil in northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district where one and a-half feet of fresh snow has accumulated for a few days, locals said here on Saturday.
The locals said that the strong winds created panic in Tulail area of Gurez since last evening while people preferred to remain indoors due to the winds. “Due to strong winds since last night, people here have been very scared,” they said, adding that “strong winds are being witnessed from other parts of Gurez.”
Meanwhile, a heavy snow slide was also reported from GG-sheikh village of Tulail today. However, there was no loss of life or property damage in the incident.
An official said that the overall situation in the Gurez is normal. However, the amount of snowfall in the region was less than expected. He said that the authorities had already advised people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Similarly, strong winds forced calling off of a number of sports activities as a precautionary measure on day 2 of the 3rd edition of ‘Khelo India Games’, being held at Kongdori spot of famous ski-resort Gulmarg, officials said here.
Although, the officials termed strong winds as a normal routine occurrence but still as a precautionary measure some activities were suspended.
An independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said that Tulail, Gurez, Gulmarg, and even in some plains, gusty winds were reported yesterday and today. “This is quite common even in winter sometimes,” he said.
“A Western Disturbance has been affecting J&K for the last 3 days and windy weather was supposed to be associated with the weather system. The models had forecast wind gusts up to 40 kts/h. Now, wind gusts are expected to reduce from tonight and nothing significant is expected in the coming days,” he added.
“From central parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, these gusty winds carried dust along with them whose effect became visible on Friday when brownish-type snow was reported from north Kashmir parts,” he added.
