• Weather expected to improve today: MeT
• Jammu-Srinagar blocked; Mughal Road closed
• Major avalanche warning issued in 4 districts
Srinagar, Apr 29:
Plains in Kashmir experienced intermittent heavy rains, while upper reaches witnessed fresh snowfall, leading to a rise in water levels in rivers and streams. The adverse weather conditions triggered landslides and mudslides along the Jammu-Srinagar highway and other vital roads in the region.
According to the meteorological department, the prevailing weather conditions are expected to persist until late afternoon on April 30th, followed by mainly dry and clear weather from May 5th onwards.
Dr.Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT Srinagar, reported heavy rainfall in plains and moderate snowfall in higher reaches for the third consecutive day.
“The heavy rainfall was observed in many parts of plains and higher reaches including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Bandipora, Kupwara, and Shopian, Sadna Top, Machil Top and other places experienced light snowfall,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that the ongoing wet spell will continue with the same intensity till Tuesday evening and thereafter we are expecting improvement in prevailing weather conditions till 5th May.
“Due to continuous rainfall from the past 3 days, the water level has been increased in river Jhelum and other water bodies in the region, it will increase more during the next 13-14 hours and therefore decrease towards gradually Tuesday afternoon. The respective departments have issued advisories in the regard and people should follow them,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said till Tuesday evening, both travellers and tourists are advised to plan accordingly as there is possibility of landslides and mudslides besides shooting stones along the vital highways and roads.
Meanwhile, due to incessant rainfall, Srinagar recorded a low of 5.3°C and maximum temperatures 12.1°C. Qazigund recorded a minimum of 7.2°C and 17.2°C as maximum temperatures. Pahalgam recorded a low of 2.7°C and 14.2°C as maximum temperature.
Kokernag recorded a minimum of 3.9°C and 12.3°C as maximum temperatures, Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 1.0°C and 5.8 as maximum temperatures.
Meanwhile, Srinagar received 45 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours while Qazigund received 64 mm of rainfall, Pahalgam 51.1 mm of rainfall, Kupwara 40.0 mm of rainfall, Kokernag 40.1 mm of rainfall, Gulmarg 33 mm of rainfall.
Plains of Jammu also recorded light rainfall bringing respite from hot and humid weather conditions in the region. The inclement weather will continue in the winter capital till Tuesday morning.
Following inclement weather, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an avalanche warning in the higher reaches of two districts of Kashmir valley during the next 24 hours.
Following inclement weather, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an avalanche warning in the higher reaches of four districts of Kashmir valley during the next 24 hours.
A spokesman said an avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 3000 metres over Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal districts in the next 24 hours.
“People living in these areas have been advised to take precautions and avoid venturing into the avalanche-prone areas till further orders,” he said, adding that the authorities have also asked the people living in these districts to dial 112 for help given any emergency.
Due to the adverse weather conditions expected, including rainfall and potential snowfall in higher altitudes, with isolated hailstorms MeT Srinagar, particularly those living near the River Jhelum, its tributaries, and Nallahs, have been advised to avoid going near these water bodies and to limit their activities until the weather improves.
Additionally, tourists, local Shikara operators, sand miners, and individuals using boat crossing points on Dal Lake and River Jhelum are cautioned against attempting to cross these water bodies without first assessing their conditions.
Meanwhile, the general public has been asked to contact Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Srinagar and Police Control Room Srinagar for any information.
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, Mughal road and Srinagar-Leh road have been closed for traffic due to landslides and shooting stones amid snow and rainfall since last night.
SSP Traffic National Highway Ramban, RohitBaskotra said that shooting stones and landslides occured near Mehad, KishtwadiPatthar, and GangrRamsoo areas, leading to closure of the highway.
He said that men and machinery are on job to restore the highway, but continuous rain is hindering the clearance work. SSP advised people to avoid journeys on the highway till weather improves and the road is clear.
Further, cracks have developed in the mountainous parts of Mehad, KishtwadiPatthar and GangruRamsu. This and the landslides sparked by the continuous rains in Ramban have led to road closures in these areas and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh highway and major roads in the Kashmir Valley are also closed amid inclement weather.
