Snow-covered Leh town under heavy winter freeze in Ladakh

Jammu and Kashmir reels under an unrelenting cold wave as Leh in Ladakh territory plunged to a bone-chilling minus 15°C early Monday, while Kashmir Valley towns logged sub-zero temperatures between minus 5°C and minus 9°C, triggering widespread disruptions to transport, power supply, and essential services.

Intensifying ‘Chillai-Kalan’—the 40-day harshest winter phase—has coated the region in thick ice layers, with Dal Lake completely frozen and houseboats marooned. Srinagar airport suspended operations due to runway icing, stranding hundreds of passengers, while the Srinagar-Jammu highway faces multiple closures from black ice and landslides.

🥶 Today’s Temperature Snapshot

Leh: -15°C (low) | Srinagar: -6.5°C | Gulmarg: -11°C | Pahalgam: -9.2°C

Impact Highlights:
  • Transport Chaos: 150+ flights canceled at Srinagar; Jammu-Srinagar highway blocked at multiple points
  • Power Crisis: 12-hour outages in rural Kashmir; Leh facing 8-hour daily cuts
  • Health Emergency: 45 hypothermia cases admitted; LPG cylinder shortages spark panic buying
  • Water Woes: 70% households without running water due to frozen pipes

Authorities have deployed 2,500 snow-clearing machines and activated 350 emergency heating shelters. The Meterological Department warns of continued sub-zero assault through January 20, with snowfall predicted in higher reaches that could worsen access to remote areas. Schools remain shut across Kashmir division till January 15.

Local administration appeals for power conservation and stockpiling essentials, while distribution of free kerosene and coal ramps up in Leh district. The extreme weather coincides with Republic Day preparations, prompting enhanced coordination between civil and military authorities.

State Correspondents | Jammu & Kashmir’s Premier News Network | Stay Warm & Stay Informed

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