Over 30 Vehicles Stranded Amid Snowfall in Kishtwar; Rescue Operation Underway

Fresh snowfall triggered by an active Western Disturbance disrupted traffic in parts of Jammu and Kashmir , leaving dozens of vehicles stranded at the high-altitude pass of Sinthan Top in Kishtwar district and prompting a large-scale rescue operation by authorities.

Officials said sudden snowfall and slippery road conditions trapped nearly 30–38 light motor vehicles on the mountainous route connecting Kishtwar with south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Hundreds of passengers travelling through the high-altitude pass were stranded as traffic movement came to a halt.

Soon after receiving information, teams of the Indian Army , Jammu and Kashmir Police , and the civil administration rushed to the spot and launched a coordinated evacuation drive. Snow-clearance machines and rescue teams worked through harsh weather to assist stranded commuters and move vehicles to safer locations.

According to the latest updates, more than 230 civilians , including women and children, travelling in dozens of vehicles were successfully rescued from the snowbound area. Rescue personnel provided medical aid , hot meals, drinking water and temporary shelter while recovery teams restored mobility to stranded vehicles.

However, the adverse weather also triggered a landslide near a hydropower project site in the district, in which one worker was killed and another injured, highlighting the risks posed by heavy precipitation and unstable terrain in the region.

Meteorological experts said the sudden snowfall was caused by a Western Disturbance , a weather system originating from the Mediterranean that brings winter rain and snow to north India and the Himalayan region. Scientists warn that climate change may be intensifying such weather events, leading to unpredictable precipitation patterns and sudden snowstorms in the Himalayan belt.

Meanwhile, traffic on the historic Mughal Road connecting the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian in south Kashmir was also suspended following fresh snow accumulation at Pir Ki Gali and adjoining areas.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid travelling through high-altitude passes until weather conditions improve and roads are declared safe. Snow clearance and restoration of connectivity in the affected areas are currently underway