No avalanche in Tulail, Gurez officials dismiss rumours, urge public caution

Gurez, March 31, KNT: Authorities in Gurez Valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday said no avalanche has occurred in the Tulail area, dismissing reports circulating on social media as false.

The clarification comes amid rumours that had triggered concern among residents, prompting officials to issue a statement to prevent panic.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad, said there is no information about any avalanche in Tulail or elsewhere in the valley.

“There is no report of any avalanche in Tulail or the Gurez Valley. Some people have spread false information,” he told the news agency Kashmir News Trust urging the public to verify facts before sharing content online.

Tehsildar Tulail, Javeed Ahmad Dar, also confirmed that no avalanche incident has been reported on Tuesday.

“We will continue to verify the situation, but as of now, there is no report of any avalanche today,” he said.

Officials said a minor avalanche had occurred a day earlier in the Malangam area near the Kishanganga River in Tulail. They said there were no casualties, injuries or damage to property in that incident.

The administration appealed to locals not to panic and to avoid sharing unverified information on social media platforms.

Officials said misinformation can create unnecessary fear, especially in remote and high-altitude areas.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory stating that avalanches with a low danger level are likely to occur above 2,400 metres in Bandipora district over the next 24 hours.

Locals and travellers have been advised to exercise caution in higher altitude areas and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities. [KNT]