Srinagar Shivers: Cold Wave Grips Valley as Temperatures Plunge

The cold wave in Srinagar continues as temperatures plummet to zero, causing residents to bundle up and use firewood to keep warm. Amid the freezing conditions, a fire broke out in Munwarabad, but was swiftly contained by emergency services. Expect further dips in temperature as December progresses.

Srinagar remains in the grip of a severe cold wave, with temperatures dropping to zero, compelling locals to don multiple layers and rely on firewood for warmth. Earlier, on December 5, the Kashmir Valley also endured sub-zero temperatures, painting a frosty picture across the region.

Despite the biting chill, residents of Srinagar continued their morning fitness routines, clad in warm attire. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city's minimum temperature stands at 0.4°C, with forecasts predicting a maximum of up to 12.6°C. Streets veiled in fog did not deter locals from their daily activities, even as the mercury continues to fall, heralding a deepening winter spell across the Valley.

Amidst the frigid conditions, a fire erupted in several shops and a furniture godown in Srinagar's Munwarabad area on Sunday. Prompt response by fire and emergency teams prevented a potential disaster. Previously, on November 6, troops from the Indian Army's Shakti Vijay Brigade successfully intervened in a significant fire incident in Tangdhar's Bukhaiya village.

The fire, triggered by an electrical short circuit, spread rapidly, endangering nearby homes. However, thanks to the swift action by vigilant troops and the civil administration, the blaze was swiftly contained, averting major catastrophe, according to an official statement.

Earlier, on October 29, the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Department in Udhampur thwarted a disaster by controlling a large fire in a stack of stubble near the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Sarvesh Langer, Assistant Director of the department, shared that a prompt mobilization of fire tenders brought the blaze under control, preventing a potential panic on the busy highway.