Overnight Rescue Operation Launched at Sadna Top Amid Heavy Snowfall, 35 Stranded Vehicles Evacuated 

Kupwara, Feb 4, KNT: The district administration Kupwara launched an overnight rescue and evacuation operation at Sadna Top after heavy snowfall left dozens of vehicles stranded on the high-altitude stretch, officials said on Wednesday.

Despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, coordinated teams pressed into service late night and worked through the early hours to evacuate vehicles stuck due to intense snow accumulation. Officials said at least 35 stranded vehicles were safely evacuated during the operation.

The rescue effort was carried out on a war footing, with snow clearance machinery and field teams deployed to prevent further distress to commuters and avert any medical or weather-related emergencies. Authorities said priority was given to clearing vulnerable stretches and ensuring the safety of passengers.

Officials said the situation at Sadna Top had deteriorated rapidly following fresh snowfall, leading to disruption of vehicular movement. Timely intervention by the administration, they said, helped restore partial movement and prevented escalation of the situation.

The administration advised travellers to avoid unnecessary movement towards high-altitude areas and urged strict adherence to traffic advisories until weather conditions stabilise.

Authorities said weather conditions were being closely monitored and further action would be taken as required to ensure road safety and public convenience. [KNT]