Observational study of a severe snowfall avalanche over a state in North India in November 2019 using GIS
SUHAIL MEER MOHAMMAD ANOOP KUMAR MISHRA
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Heavy snowfall in the first week of November 2019 caused snow avalanche that resulted in huge loss in the form of lives and properties over Kashmir Valley in North India. About 17 people were killed including 11 soldiers by the snow avalanche resulting from heavy snowfall. Data from seven stations of India Meteorological Department (IMD) have been used to study the snowfall events. These stations include Kupwara, Gulmarg, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Pahalgam, Kokernag, Qazigund and Konibal. Kokernag recorded the highest snowfall of about 120 mm on November 8. SKUAST recorded snowfall of about 80 mm on November 8. Heavy snowfall started on November 6 and lasted up to November 8, 2019. Gulmarg, Kokernag and Kupwara reported cumulative snowfall of more than 100 mm during November 6–8, 2019. These stations are located in hilly region. Heavy snowfall combined with steep slope resulted in heavy snow avalanche causing heavy damage. An army camp situated in northern Gulmarg was swept away due to avalanche resulting in four causalities. Heavy snowfall also affected agriculture, horticulture, transportations and economy of the valley.
$\bf{Highlights}$
$\bullet$ A snowfall avalanche event has been explored using GIS over Kashmir Valley.
$\bullet$ Heavy snowfall combined with steep slope resulted in heavy snow avalanche causing extreme damage.
$\bullet$ This extreme event affected transportation, agriculture and horticulture.
SUHAIL MEER MOHAMMAD1 ANOOP KUMAR MISHRA1
Volume 129, 2020
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