Flash floods in many parts, no damage reported
MeT predicts light rains today
Traffic along NH44 halted
Kashmir faces 60% rainfall deficit, Jammu 35%: Officials
Srinagar, Aug 01: A light to moderate spell of rainfall lashed isolated parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday bringing down temperature several notches below the normal bringing relief from the scorching hot and humid weather conditions in Kashmir.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted the possibility of moderate rain in the Valley and parts of Jammu during the next 24 hours.
Director MeT, Dr. Mukhtar said that parts of Kashmir including Srinagar city experienced intense showers in the morning for several hours.
“Central, South Kashmir & Poonch witnessed light spell of rain along with thundershower. Intense showers caused flash floods for a brief period over hilly areas of Kupwara, Bandipora,Baramula,Shopian & Ganderbal districts,” he said, adding that showers brought respite from the heat wave and humid weather.
Dr. Mukhtar said during the past 24 hours, Jammu received 112 mm of rainfall, Reasi 74.5 mm, Katra 72.9 mm, Udhampur 32.2 mm.
“From 2nd-5th August, weather will remain generally cloudy with spells of intermittent light to moderate rainfall at many places of Kashmir & most places of Jammu division,” he said.
The MeT has also issued an advisory warning of the potential for intense showers, flash floods, cloud bursts, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas of Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the Jammu division.
Flash floods and heavy rain caused extensive damage to market and paddy crops in the Khrew village of Pulwama district.
Similarly flash floods have hit Dachan, of Kishtwar following cloudburst in upper areas. No damage was reported in the area.
Meanwhile MeT Data indicates that Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a rainfall deficit from June 1st to August 1st, 2024, with the Kashmir Valley showing a significant deficit of -60% and the Jammu division -35%.
However, the Extended Range Forecast of the IMD predicts above-normal rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir from August 1st to 15th, followed by a deficit from August 15th to 29th.
The strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway was thrown open for vehicular movement after a brief closure due to shooting stones and mudslides triggered by the rains across the region.
“The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed in the morning in view of heavy rains that triggered mudslides at Hingni and intermittent shooting stones at Mehad, Panthiyal, T2, and Kishtwari Pather,” Rohit Baskotra, SSP Highway, said.
He said that the machinery, along with the men, was immediately put into service, and the mud was cleared through the traffic.
“The vehicles are moving at a snail’s pace due to slick conditions, but the highway is open,” he said.
