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Bandipora, Kashmir March 23: Two consecutive snow avalanches struck the strategic Bandipora–Gurez road on Monday, disrupting movement to the high-altitude Gurez region, officials said.
According to an official from the Border Roads Organisation, a major avalanche—nearly 200 metres long and 10 feet high—hit the road at KM 60. Another avalanche occurred about one kilometre from Korkbal village, leading to a complete blockade of the 85-km stretch.
The avalanches forced an immediate halt to vehicular traffic, snapping connectivity to the region. The official noted that the area has witnessed three to four feet of fresh snowfall in recent days, increasing avalanche vulnerability.
No loss of life or property has been reported, largely because no traffic was on the road at the time of the incident.
Following the avalanches, the BRO deployed its 56 RCC unit, along with men and heavy machinery, to clear the accumulated snow. Restoration work is underway on priority to reopen the route.
Meanwhile, the civil administration has advised commuters to avoid travelling on the Bandipora–Gurez axis until clearance operations are completed and the road is declared safe. Travellers have been urged to contact the District Control Room for updated travel advisories before planning any movement.
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