Widespread snowfall in Ladakh

Ganderbal, Feb 19: The cold desert region of Ladakh experienced a fresh spell of snowfall since Sunday evening.

Kargil town received 2-3 inches of snow, Drass about 1 foot, Minamarg 2 feet, Zanskar 6 inches, Rangdum 10 inches, Panikhar 4 inches, and Sankoo 2 to 3 inches.

The fresh snowfall caused slippery road conditions, leading to disruption of traffic in many areas.

The accumulation of heavy snowfall led to the closure of main roads and highways in Ladakh including Zojila Pass, Khardongla, Penzila, Zanskar, and Changla passes.

The district administration in Kargil and Leh pressed men and machinery into work for snow clearance.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) had forecast that starting Sunday, Western Disturbances would bring moderate to heavy snowfall in the region.

The MeT predicted more snowfall in Ladakh areas till Tuesday afternoon and improvement thereafter. The authorities have advised people to stay away from avalanche-prone areas.

“Snowfall is very likely to continue at most places of Ladakh till February 20 forenoon. Significant improvement is very likely from February 20 afternoon onwards in Ladakh. From February 21 to 25, the weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy, the MeT Centre Leh posted on X.

Director MeT Centre, Leh, Sonam Lotus told Greater Kashmir that except Leh city all other higher reaches and plains received light to moderate snowfall while some areas received heavy snowfall, bringing a dip in temperature.

He said the weather was expected to improve from Tuesday evening.

The fresh snowfall has brought cheers to the local population, sports enthusiasts, and farmers.