Srinagar: A thick blanket of fog has descended upon Kashmir disrupting normal life and throwing daily activities into disarray.
The dense fog has led to a series of challenges ranging from transportation woes to impacting daily businesses.
The fog, characterized by reduced visibility to nearly zero in some areas, has significantly affected the movement of people especially in morning and evening hours. Drivers are grappling with poor visibility, leading to delays.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, a crucial lifeline for the region, is witnessing traffic snarls. The authorities have issued advisories urging residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel until the fog lifts.
The air transport sector has not been spared either, as flights are getting delayed due to poor visibility at the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. Passengers are facing uncertainty about their travel plans. Airport authorities have advised travelers to check for regular updates and cooperate with airlines as they work to manage the situation.
Local businesses are grappling with the impact of the fog. Street vendors, small shop owners, and even larger establishments have reported a significant drop in footfall as residents prefer to stay indoors, avoiding the hazardous conditions outside. Schools and colleges in the region are open but attendance of students has declined.
The healthcare system is under strain as the fog complicates emergency response times. Hospitals are on high alert, with medical professionals working diligently to manage the increased demand for healthcare services.
Local meteorological authorities have attributed the prolonged fog to a combination of factors, including a temperature inversion and high humidity levels. They anticipate that the foggy conditions may persist for the next few days, urging residents to exercise patience and take necessary precautions.
People of Kashmir are trying to navigate through this unprecedented weather event and are coming together to weather the foggy challenges that have engulfed their daily lives.
The hope is that as the meteorological conditions improve, normalcy will return to the Valley, and Kashmir can once again showcase its breathtaking beauty without the hindrance of this unrelenting fog.
Fog engulfs Kashmir, people struggle to navigate challenges
