Jammu, Jan 7: While most parts of the state remained cut off due to the heavy snowfall in the upper reaches, more than 1200 vehicles are stranded on the 300-Km Srinagar- Jammu highway.
Officials said that the inter-district road of Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch and Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar has also been suspended in view of snowfall at various places. The Bhaderwah-Chamba road was also closed following heavy snowfall at Sartangal Pass.
Despite slight improvement in the weather condition, the road clearance work could not be taken up along the Srinagar- Jammu highway, official sources said adding that due to heavy snowfall around Jawahar tunnel, Patnitop, Batote and Banihal areas and slippery road conditions, the highway remained closed for the second consecutive day today.
Snowfall has also affected the pilgrimage to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Upper reaches of Poonch, Rajouri and Kathua also experienced heavy snowfall while as plains received about 17 mm of rainfall on Friday.
Reports said that after more than ten years, upper reaches of Kathua district including Malhar, Chattergala and Sarthal, also witnessed snowfall. Even the Ramnagar town in Udhampur district received snowfall after several years, bringing down the temperature further in the entire belt.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu recorded 17.8 millimeters of rainfall from 8.30 in the morning till 5.30 in the evening on Friday while as Katra experienced 11.2 millimeters of rains during this period.
Bhaderwah received 7 inches of snowfall, while Batote received 8 centimeters of snow.
Meanwhile despite slight improvement in weather conditions, Jammu region is facing intense chilly conditions, affecting the normal life.

MAN BURIED ALIVE UNDER SNOW
A nomad died while at least three persons were rescued by Police after they were trapped due to heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of this district.
An official spokesman said that a father-son duo, identified as Abdul Gani Gujjar and his son Rafiq were trapped in the heavy snow when they were on their way to Chiranbass from Bhajmasta with their cattle.
Sources said that Sarpanch of the area informed the police about the matter and a rescue operation was immediately launched.
A Police party from Ramsoo was immediately dispatched to the area and after traveling a distance of about 7 to 8 Kms by foot and passing through 5/6 feet snow, the police managed to rescue Rafiq. However, his father had died.
In another incident, Police rescued a family in Senigam area. Police received information about family of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Malik being trapped in the house a portion of which had collapsed due to snowfall.
A Police party from Neel was dispatched and it had to cover a distance of several kilometers on foot rescued the family.
Keeping in view the continuous snowfall in the area and the stranded passengers, Anil Magotra, SP Ramban has issued instructions to all the SHOs/Incharge Police Posts to remain extra vigilant and keep in close liaison with the Sarpanchs and Panchs of their respective areas.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 Jan 2012 00:00:00 IST