On Wednesday, a huge snow mass crashed down in the Sarbal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg after a massive avalanche struck there. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries have been reported. The avalanche has gone viral in the form of a video, during which tonnes of snow tumble down the mountainside in such a dramatic spectacle.
High Alpine regions and areas experiencing fresh snowfall after that are the common occurrence of snow avalanches. Factors that trigger these natural disasters include gravity acting on steep slopes, seismic activity, arbitrary force that changes the temperature at which snow layers soften, erosion due to strong winds, terrain conditions, and vegetation.
In addition, avalanches are caused by human activities. Snow slides can be initiated by the skiers themselves, or due to construction activity or developmental work, even controlled use of explosives for avalanche mitigation. These controlled explosions help authorities prevent large, uncontrollable avalanches that could harm lives and infrastructure in high risk areas.
The Western Himalayas are vastly susceptible to snow avalanches in the Himalayan region, especially. The snowy terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Uttarakhand witness frequent avalanche occurrences, especially during the winter months and early spring. The geographical and climatic conditions of the region make authorities alert with the monitoring of probable avalanche zones to prevent risk.
The latest avalanche in Sonamarg is an example of the unpredictable nature of these events and it is a reminder of the safety measures required in avalanche prone areas. After heavy snowfall, travelers and those in the area are advised to remain cautious, as the danger of future snow slides is still high. It is now reported that rescue and monitoring teams are still assessing the situation to guarantee public safety.
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