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Heavy snowfall has ended in Jammu and Kashmir, but record-breaking snow accumulation, which is said to be the highest in 15 years, is disrupting life, especially in rural areas and villages that cover about 50% of the Kashmir Valley. This intense snowfall occurred during **Chillai Kalan** (December 21, 2025–January 30, 2026), which is the harshest 40-day winter period. During this period, there was heavy snowfall several times in the higher areas, while light to moderate snowfall occurred in the plains like Srinagar.

Remote highland areas—Gurez, Tangdhar (Kupwara), Peer Ki Gali, Zojila Pass and others—are buried under 2-8 feet of snow, leaving communities isolated. Many inter-district roads and highways (except the reopened **NH-44**) are still closed, causing movement disruptions during the peak winter season. Strong winds caused power outages in some parts of the valley, although efforts are underway to restore power in remote areas.

The risk of avalanche has increased due to sunlight melting snow. On January 27, at around 10:12 pm, a major avalanche occurred in **Sonmarg** (Ganderbal district), engulfing houses, vehicles and areas near a truck yard in CCTV footage—no casualties were reported, but it caused panic and temporary disruptions. On January 29 (Wednesday), another avalanche occurred in the remote Warwan valley of **Kishtwar**, in which also no one was injured and there was no major damage. Authorities issued immediate advisories urging residents to avoid risky mountain areas.

Temperatures remained below zero: **Sonamarg** recorded -10.6°C (coldest in Jammu and Kashmir, a slight increase from -11.2°C earlier), **Gulmarg** -9.0°C, and Pahalgam -5.3°C on January 30. The temperature in Srinagar was 1.3°C, which was above normal.

Jammu and Kashmir administration has suspended five engineers (including AEEs and JEs of Shopian, Tangmarg, Anantnag etc.) of **Public Works (R&B) Department** for alleged delay and absenteeism in snow removal following public complaints and orders of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. FIR can be registered for negligence.

The weather is expected to remain dry and stable till January 31, but a new western disturbance may bring light to moderate rain/snow on February 1-2. As **Chillai Khurd** (20 days of low cold) begins, focus will be on clearance operations and avalanche monitoring to restore normalcy.