Kashmir braces for major snow spell from today, admn issues advisory

At least seven flights delayed and one diverted as visibility falls to 300m due to foggy conditions

- Ashiq Hussain

SRINAGAR: With the Valley bracing for a major snow spell from Saturday, Friday's foggy weather interrupted flights at Srinagar International Airport on Friday with visibility reducing to 300 m.

Officials said that the foggy weather affected life in the Himalayan valley while the visibility reduced to 300 m at the Srinagar Airport. The visibility should be 1,000-1,100 m for flights to take off and land.

An airport official said that seven flights were delayed at the airport while one flight was diverted. "The flights resumed in the afternoon," he added.

Owing to the forecast of snowfall from Saturday in Kashmir, the administration has geared up for the upcoming challenges with the office of district magistrate in Srinagar issuing a weather advisory for the public and directing the departments to be ready.

"In view of the rainfall and snowfall forecast issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar station, snowfall is expected from January 4 to January 6, the general public is advised to follow safety guidelines issued by the district disaster management authority (DDMA) and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions to ensure safety and minimise disruptions," said the advisory released by additional deputy commissioner.

It asked different departments, including mechanical and hospital engineering department, public works department(R&B), Srinagar municipal corporation, Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Jal Shakti, health and medical education department to make necessary logistical arrangements for snow clearance and related works.