Zojila Pass Avalanche Kills Seven

The death toll in the Zojila Pass avalanche rose to seven after a missing civilian was found dead during a resumed search operation on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The incident occurred on the Ladakh-Kashmir axis, one of India’s most avalanche-prone mountain routes. Thirteen people were affected in the disaster, including women, and six others remained under treatment. The avalanche also buried several vehicles under snow, disrupting traffic on the only surface link between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Rescue and Recovery Operations

• Search operations resumed early in the morning and continued through the day.
• Teams from the civil administration, the Army, and the Border Roads Organisation carried out the rescue work.
• The body of the missing civilian, identified as Ali Akbar Shadab, was recovered during the operation.
• Vehicles trapped under snow were tracked and removed from the highway.

Highway Vulnerability

The Srinagar-Leh highway passes through difficult terrain at an elevation of about 2,528 metres. It remains highly vulnerable to avalanches, landslides, and shooting stones for much of the year. The Zojila Pass section is especially risky because of steep slopes, snowfall, and rapid weather changes. The route is crucial for civilian movement, supplies, and military logistics in the region.

Traffic Regulation Concerns

The avalanche has renewed scrutiny of traffic management on the highway. Officials noted that the incident occurred around noon, when sunlight may have triggered snow movement after a rise in temperature. Local leaders have questioned the timing of vehicle movement and the mixing of heavy and light vehicles on the same stretch. The road had remained closed after the incident, while concerns grew over whether current traffic schedules are adequate for winter and spring conditions.

Avalanche Warnings in Kashmir

Authorities also issued fresh avalanche advisories for Ganderbal and Bandipora districts. The warning covered areas above 2,400 metres and urged residents, tourists, and nomadic communities to avoid steep slopes and higher reaches. The advisory stressed strict compliance with official safety instructions until further orders.