Watch: Avalanche strikes Sarbal area of Sonmarg in J&K; no casualties reported

NEW DELHI: A massive avalanche hit Sarbal area of Sonmarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Wednesday. No loss of life or injuries were reported.
A video by news agency ANI showed the destructive avalanche barreling towards a stationary vehicle.

The incident comes just days after an avalanche hit a Border Roads Organisation camp in Mana that killed eight workers. The avalanche hit the BRO camp in Chamoli district between 5.30 am and 6am on February 28, trapping 54 workers. While 46 of them were rescued alive, eight were found dead.
The Himalayas, particularly the Western Himalayas, are highly prone to avalanches, affecting regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
The Himalayas, particularly the Western Himalayas, are highly prone to avalanches, affecting regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Avalanche-prone areas are classified into three zones:

Avalanches typically occur after fresh snowfall adds a new layer to the existing snowpack. They can be triggered by natural forces such as gravity on steep slopes, earthquakes, rising temperatures that weaken snow layers, wind, terrain, and vegetation. Human activities, including skiing, construction, and controlled explosions for avalanche mitigation, can also set off these snow slides.
While scientists cannot predict the exact timing and location of avalanches, they assess hazard levels by monitoring snowpack, temperature, and wind conditions. Preventative measures, such as constructing strong anchoring structures and regulating tourism and development in high-risk zones, can help minimize risks.