Jammu and Kashmnir relief operation hit by showfall

Heavy rains and snowfall in quake-ravaged areas of Kupwara and Baramulla districts in north Kashmir on Sunday forced suspension of relief sorties by Indian Air Force and army choppers adding to the woes of survivors as temperatures in the upper reaches plunged.

Relief operations were disrupted by inclement weather as heavy rains coupled with snow lashed wide parts of Kashmir Valley including Uri, Tangdhar and Gulmarg during major part of the day on Sunday, official sources said.

Airdropping of relief material by army and IAF choppers couldn't take off in the wake of bad weather, even as the government and NGOs continued their efforts to reach out to the affected people.

The rains triggered fresh landslides in Kupwara district Kashmir blocking the road from Chittarkote to Teetwal, State Roads and Buildings Minister G.A. Mir, who is camping in Teetwal said over phone.