Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar froze on Monday as a bone-chilling cold wave gripped the Kashmir valley, plunging temperatures to -7°C, the lowest of the season.
Residents Grapple With Intense Cold
Visuals from the region show residents braving the icy conditions, huddled around bonfires and clad in heavy winter clothing.
“The weather is extremely cold; our hands are freezing. The Dal Lake has frozen. This is the first time we have experienced such low temperatures,” shared a local resident.
Another local expressed concerns about the possibility of snowfall due to the severe drop in temperatures. “Snowfall seems imminent given how cold it is. People should take necessary precautions,” the resident added.
IMD Issues Severe Cold Wave Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a severe cold wave across Jammu and Kashmir starting December 24, urging residents to prepare for harsher conditions.
Chief Minister Cancels Jammu Visit
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah canceled his scheduled programs in Jammu to personally oversee essential services in the Kashmir Valley amid the freezing weather.
“In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir valley and the resulting challenges with water and electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my programs in Jammu and station myself in Srinagar to monitor the functioning of the Power Department and other critical services,” Abdullah announced on X during his journey back to Srinagar from Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer.
He also expressed regret for canceling his commitments in Jammu, assuring that he would make it up to the affected individuals and organizations in the future.
