KINS Desk

Srinagar, Jan 23 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that while the administration was prepared for snowfall, strong winds along with snow caused widespread damage across the Kashmir Valley, severely affecting power supply and other essential services.

Speaking about the situation, CM Omar Abdullah as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) told reporters in Srinagar that snowfall arrived a bit late this year, but preparations were already in place.

However, intense winds and snowfall disrupted almost the entire power system. He said the Valley usually receives around 1,700 megawatts of electricity daily, but supply dropped sharply to just about 100 megawatts on Friday morning due to damage to infrastructure.

The Chief Minister said the situation is now gradually improving as concerned departments are working tirelessly in difficult weather conditions to restore power supply.

He added that priority roads are being cleared first, while efforts are also underway to reopen other roads across the Valley.

CM Omar Abdullah said the government’s main focus at present is on restoring electricity, road connectivity, and water supply, assuring people that all necessary steps are being taken to normalize the situation at the earliest.(KINS)