Following the season's first snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the focus of his government was on restoring essential services like power and water supply and clearing the roads.
Himachal Pradesh experienced widespread rain and snowfall over the past 24 hours, while temperatures in several parts of the state remained above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Meteorological Centre, Shimla.
Tourists have begun arriving in large numbers in Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, following the season's first heavy snowfall, which continues intermittently in the region. Visitors who had reached the hill town over the past few days, closely tracking weather forecasts, waited patient
The Banihal town of Ramban district on Friday witnessed the season's first heavy snowfall as fresh snow blanketed the entire region, bringing winter conditions in full force.
The holy shrine of Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district witnessed the season's first snowfall on Thursday, covering the Trikuta Hills in a pristine white blanket and transforming the pilgrimage route into a picturesque winter landscape.
Jammu and Kashmir's picturesque Bhaderwah valley received the season's first snowfall on Friday morning, marking the first spell of snow this winter after a long wait by the residents. The snowfall brought a sharp dip in temperatures, while locals welcomed the fresh spell of snow.
The tourism industry, which had been witnessing a slowdown, has also received a boost as tourists have started arriving to enjoy the snowfall. Fresh snow has covered Shimla city in a white blanket, while continuous snowfall is being reported from upper Shimla areas, including Narkanda, Ku
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed on Friday due to heavy rain and snowfall, with movement also stopped at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur.
After a prolonged dry spell of nearly three months, snowfall finally began in both the plains and upper reaches of Doda's Bhalesa and its adjoining areas from Friday midnight.