In the picturesque district of Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, the formidable blankets of snow and storms on Tuesday night brought everything to a standstill at Sadhna Top. The high-altitude region was engulfed in a thick sheet of snow, blocking roads and leaving 35 vehicles stranded. The situation posed severe challenges for travelers, yet the relentless efforts of Kupwara's district administration conducted throughout the night ensured everyone was rescued safely.
Sadhna Top serves as the critical link connecting Karnah Valley with Kupwara, frequently blanketed in heavy snow during winter. This year's fresh snowfall proved too intense, rendering vehicles immobile. Despite the chilly ordeal, no fatal incidents occurred, thanks to the swift mobilization of rescue teams.
How was the rescue operation conducted?
The district administration orchestrated an overnight operation led by Tehsildar Karnah, supported by the adept 109 RCC BEACON team, Kupwara police, and soldiers from the Indian Army.
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
Despite the formidable snowfall, adverse weather, and biting cold, the teams persevered, working tirelessly on a 'mission mode'. Snow clearance machinery was deployed to manually extract each vehicle from the icy grip.
How many vehicles were stuck?
A total of 35 vehicles were stranded, which included 10 light motor vehicles like cars and small trucks. The rest were different types of vehicles. Through the strenuous nighttime hours, the dedicated team transported all individuals to safety.
Why is Sadhna Top crucial?
Sadhna Top is a significant mountain pass linking Karnah Valley to the rest of Kashmir. Winter road closures isolate the entire region. This incident saw traffic hampered for several days, but swift administrative action provided essential relief to the impacted people.
