Red and Orange Avalanche alert issued for Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir

Shimla, March 15

The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has issued a red alert for avalanches in Jammu & Kashmir and an orange alert in Himachal Pradesh, warning of highly unsafe conditions due to heavy snowfall. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and the Disaster Management Authority have urged extreme caution as fresh snowfall increases the risk of avalanches in snowbound areas.

High-altitude regions of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh have been placed under an orange alert for elevations above 2750 meters. With three rounds of heavy snowfall this month, avalanche-prone slopes have become increasingly unstable. Authorities have advised restricting movement to safer routes in valleys, avoiding snow-loaded slopes, and evacuating settlements near avalanche paths. Tourists are urged to return to safer areas as a precaution. Although Shimla remains at a lower risk, officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

The situation is even more critical in Jammu & Kashmir, where a red alert has been issued for regions above 2300-2400 meters in Kupwara and Ganderbal. This indicates a high likelihood of large-scale avalanches, including airborne ones. Authorities have ordered a complete suspension of movement in high-risk zones, immediate evacuation of settlements near avalanche paths, and placed rescue teams on high alert for emergency operations.

In Kargil (Ladakh) and Uttarakhand, covering Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh, an orange alert has been issued for elevations between 2800-3500 meters. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned of heavy snowfall and rain, predicting disruptions to normal life. With fresh snowfall expected, the risk of avalanches remains extremely high in the coming days.

Local administrations have been placed on high alert, with disaster response teams prepared for rapid deployment. Tourists and residents are strongly advised to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel. As snowfall continues to pile up in the Himalayas, authorities stress vigilance and preparedness to prevent loss of life and property. The evolving weather conditions demand constant monitoring, and further updates will be issued as required.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.