Monday, October 17 2005 11:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Fresh landslides triggered by heavy rain and snowfall in the upper reaches stalled quake-relief operations in worst-affected Uri and Tangdhar regions of North Kashmir where several road links are snapped and choppers couldn't undertake sorties for the second day today (Oct 17, 2005).

"Air relief operations have not been possible even today. Air-dropping of relief material by army and IAF choppers couldn't take off in the wake of bad weather. It is not safe to carry out sorties in such conditions," a defence spokesman said here.

Heavy rains and snowfall in the regions, which were devastated by the October 8 earthquake, yesterday forced the suspension of relief sorties by choppers adding to the woes of survivors as the mercury plunged by a few degrees.

Snow and rainfall have triggered fresh landslides at many places in both Uri and Tangdhar sectors blocking the approach to many remote villages hampering relief operations for the time being, he said.

Army men, State Government and NGOs have been working relentlessly to clear the roads at the earliest so that ground relief can be provided to the affected people.

A massive landslide had cut off Tangdhar from Kashmir valley yesterday but it was cleared within 45 minutes to allow relief material to flow into the border town, he said.

"Most of the relief is being stacked in Tangdhar town for the time being. As soon as the roads to inner villages are cleared, it will be dispatched to the needy," he added.