TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,A biting cold wave has engulfed Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, with mercury levels plummeting to bone-chilling lows, disrupting daily life and creating hazardous conditions across J&K.
In the Kashmir valley, Srinagar experienced a freezing -7.0°C, one of its coldest nights this winter, on par with Qazigund. Pulwama, Anantnag, and Shopian bore the brunt of the cold, each recording a frigid -9.3°C, while Pahalgam and Bandipora followed at -8.6°C and -7.3°C, respectively. Tourists in Gulmarg and Sonamarg braved lows of -6.0°C and -5.8°C, while the harshest conditions were reported at Zojila Pass, where temperatures plummeted to a staggering -25.0°C.
In the Jammu region, relatively milder conditions prevailed, with Jammu city recording 6.6°C, while Katra remained the warmest at 8.0°C. Sub-zero temperatures gripped Bhaderwah (-1.1°C) and Padder (-7.7°C), while Udhampur dipped to 1.5°C.
Ladakh continued to face extreme cold, with Kargil shivering at -12.7°C and Leh not far behind at -12.2°C, making daily life an endurance test for residents.
The icy weather has caused widespread disruptions, including frozen water pipelines in Kashmir and Ladakh, leaving many households struggling for basic supplies. Frost-covered roads have increased accident risks, while power outages in some areas have forced residents to depend on traditional heating methods.
Despite the hardships, tourist hubs such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam have witnessed a surge in visitors, drawn by the snow-covered landscapes. This has provided a much-needed boost to the local economy, but challenges persist for daily wage workers and the homeless battling the biting cold.
Authorities have issued advisories urging people to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia, while emergency services remain on high alert as temperatures are expected to remain harsh in the coming days.
The region continues to brace for the full force of winter, as the icy grip shows no signs of relenting.(TDD)
