Jammu, Jan 23 (KINS): Moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of the Jammu region, including the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, disrupted road, rail and air services on Thursday night, while rainfall in the plains ended a dry spell of over two months.

Snowfall was reported from Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua, with accumulation ranging from a few inches to over two feet in some areas. Police rescued more than 100 stranded people in Poonch and Udhampur amid harsh weather conditions.

The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, Mughal Road, Srinagar–Leh highway and Sinthan Road were closed due to heavy snow, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded. Rail services were partially affected, while five flights were cancelled and several delayed at Jammu airport.

Authorities closed schools in hilly districts as a precaution, activated emergency helplines, and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel. The fresh snowfall brought relief to farmers and tourism stakeholders across the region.(KINS)