Jammu And Kashmir: Massive Avalanche Hits Sonamarg, Engulfs Homes, Vehicles Amid Heavy Snowfall | Watch

A massive avalanche struck Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district at 10:12 pm on Tuesday, sweeping through houses and vehicles in its path. Despite the severity of the incident, officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been reported. CCTV footage captured the avalanche rushing downhill, engulfing buildings and vehicles in its wake.

Authorities had previously issued a high-intensity avalanche warning for the district on Monday, urging residents and tourists to exercise caution in high-altitude areas. The Sarbal area was among the worst affected, with the snowstorm covering homes and vehicles.

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Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Transport and Tourism

Fresh snowfall across Kashmir on Tuesday led to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the cancellation of all flights at Srinagar International Airport, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded in the valley. The snowfall, which began late Monday night, blanketed the entire region.

VIDEO | An avalanche hit Sonamarg tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir late Tuesday night, but there was no loss of life, officials said.

They said the avalanche hit Sonamarg resort in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district at 10.12 pm on Tuesday.

The massive avalanche was caught… pic.twitter.com/Dw5Dl9FCDp

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 27, 2026

Officials said snow accumulation near the Navyug tunnel at Qazigund and Banihal forced the closure of National Highway 44. At Srinagar airport, all 58 scheduled flights, 29 arrivals and 29 departures, were cancelled due to unsafe runway conditions caused by the continuous snowfall.

IMD and Disaster Authorities Issue Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast snowfall in the region until January 29. The district administration has urged people to avoid hilly and high-altitude areas because of the avalanche risk. Thousands of vehicles have been stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar highway since Monday.

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The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) has issued avalanche warnings for 11 districts. Ganderbal district faces a high-danger warning for areas above 2,000 metres. Medium-danger warnings have been issued for similar elevations in Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, and Kupwara in Kashmir, and in Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, and Ramban in the Jammu region.