The ski resort town of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed snow slides and avalanches following three days of heavy snowfall, officials confirmed on Saturday. Fortunately, there has been no loss of life or property, and authorities have reassured the public that all individuals in the affected areas are safe and accounted for.

According to police, the avalanches were reported in the Hapat Khodh area of Affarwat in Gulmarg, a region popular among tourists and adventure enthusiasts. While videos capturing the moment of the avalanche have gone viral on social media, officials have urged media outlets to report responsibly and avoid spreading unnecessary panic.

Authorities advise caution amid fresh snowfallVisitors and residents have been cautioned to use caution while entering avalanche-prone areas because recent snowfall has increased the risk of avalanches and snow slides. Tangmarg's Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) stressed the value of safety, asking guests to heed official warnings and refrain from entering dangerous areas.

Meanwhile, the three major tourist destinations in Kashmir—Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam—have transformed into winter wonderlands, attracting large numbers of tourists. The snowfall, which lasted from February 25 to 28, ended a prolonged dry spell in the region, bringing much-needed precipitation. Srinagar and other lower-altitude areas also witnessed snowfall and heavy rainfall, further intensifying the winter atmosphere.

Read more: Big Cats and bigger surprises: Tracking tigers, leopards and panthers in India

Disruptions in transportation and weather forecastThe heavy snowfall has disrupted transportation across the region, leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. Reports indicate heavy snowfall near Qazigund and Banihal, along with landslides at multiple locations from Banihal to Ramban. Similarly, the Srinagar-Ladakh National Highway has been shut down due to heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecasted more rain and snow in the coming days. Officials predict generally cloudy weather with light snowfall on March 2, followed by moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir on March 3. From March 4 to 9, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry, with another fresh spell of rain and snow anticipated between March 10 and 12.

Read more: 7 unmissable wildlife resorts near Jim Corbett National Park

Authorities have issued warnings for potential landslides, rockfalls, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. Tourists, travelers, and transporters have been advised to follow official advisories, while farmers have been urged to suspend agricultural activities until March 4 due to the unpredictable weather conditions.

Despite the disruptions, the fresh snowfall has boosted tourism and delighted locals, particularly farmers, who see it as beneficial for agriculture.