Intermittent rains lash Kashmir, prevailing weather to continue

Srinagar, Mar 13: A fresh spell of moderate rain lashed plains and higher reaches on Friday, while the Meteorological Department has predicted erratic weather, gusty winds to continue in the region till 16th March in the region.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar told Rising Kashmir that moderate to heavy rain lashed plains. There is a forecast of intermittent spells of rain and snow (in higher reaches) across most places from March 14 to 15.
“On March 16, light rain or snow is expected at a few locations in the morning, with improvement likely by the afternoon. From March 17 to 24, the weather is expected to remain generally dry, except for some cloudiness on March 19,” he said.
A senior official at Irrigation & Flood Control Kashmir told Rising Kashmir that they are maintaining a vigil to keep an eye on the situation across the valley. Advisories have been issued in almost every district, and the staff has been asked to remain on night patrolling,” Chief Engineer said.
Meanwhile the authorities have advised residents of the low-lying areas and along the embankments of the river and streams in central Kashmir to be vigilant.
Due to rains in the past three days several low-lying residential localities were inundated in Kashmir. Waterlogging was also witnessed in several parts of Srinagar after the rainfall.
Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority issued a medium- danger level avalanche warning for three districts in Kashmir division.
Avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 2500 metres over Bandipora, Kupwara and Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours.
“People living in the specified areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders,” the spokesman said.
Dr Faheem Ahmad, a local Horticulture expert said that this year it has been one of the driest winters in recent years. Snowfall in the mountains is crucial because it melts in the summer and feeds our rivers. Low snowfall means we could face water shortages in the coming months,” he said.
“The dry spell has affected soil moisture, which is essential for farming. Rain at this time is a good sign, but we still need more precipitation to balance the water deficit,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in the coming days. However, weather experts warn that sudden rainfall after a long dry period could trigger landslides in hilly areas.
“When dry land suddenly gets heavy rain, it can loosen soil and cause landslides. People in landslide-prone areas should remain cautious,” said Irfan Hussain, a geologist at Jammu University.
As per the traffic department advisory, following the fresh snowfall along Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Mughal Road, no traffic will be allowed on these highways on Saturday.
“Traffic is normally plying on NH-44 Srinagar-Jammu highway, Mughal road still blocked & Traffic could not be released on SSG road due to slippery conditions,” the spokesman said.
He said subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Thursday LMVs (Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/ Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.