Jammu, Jan 23: Udhampur police in Jammu and Kashmir successfully rescued 12 people, including women and children, who were trapped in heavy snow in the remote Chochru Galla area amid severe weather conditions, officials said on Thursday.
The stranded individuals, reported to be from mobile families, were caught in inclement weather approximately 12 kilometers from the Sangh police post. A distress call triggered an immediate response, with police officials rushing to the spot despite challenging conditions.
It took Udhampur police teams three hours to navigate treacherous terrain and reach the location where the locals were stuck. Photos and videos shared by Udhampur Police on social media platform X show rescuers helping people descend the snow-covered hill, with officers physically supporting elderly women as they walked through deep snow.
One video captures police personnel holding elderly women by their arms, ensuring safe passage through the hazardous, snow-laden landscape. The operation was carried out under extremely challenging conditions as heavy snowstorms continue to batter the region.
“Udhampur Police successfully rescued 12 persons stranded due to heavy snowfall in the upper ridges of Basantgarh area,” the department wrote while sharing updates with pictures and videos of the rescue operation.
Following the successful rescue, all 12 individuals were provided with food, shelter and medical assistance at the Sangh police post. Officials ensured their well-being before making arrangements for their onward journey once weather conditions improve.
Due to the inclement weather and heavy rainfall, all government and private schools in Udhampur district—including primary, middle, high, and higher secondary institutions—have been ordered shut today as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Police has established dedicated emergency helpline services to provide immediate assistance across the district. Several 24×7 emergency contact numbers have been made operational to ensure timely response to weather-related distress calls.
