Srinagar, July 22: In Jammu and Kashmir, devastating heavy rains on Saturday led to flash floods, causing significant damage and one reported casualty. The meteorological department has issued warnings of further inclement weather until Sunday afternoon in the region.
One person, identified as Abdul Rashid, lost his life after being hit by a shooting stone during heavy rainfall in Ramban along the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Flash floods wreaked havoc in many parts of the Union Territory, including Maligam in Tehsil PogalParistan, resulting in damage to properties and infrastructure.
As a precautionary measure, the Deputy Commissioner ofRamban has issued an advisory, urging residents to avoid riverbanks and exercise caution. The water level in River Chenab has decreased to 3387.62 cumec, but the advisory remains in place.
Meanwhile, in Garhwal area of Akhnoor, Jammu district, several houses were washed away as the Chenab overflowed due to the collapse of the river guided bund. The local authorities, including the Jammu and Kashmir police and civil administration, have undertaken a massive rescue operation, relocating over 100 families to safer locations.
Sub Divisional Police Officer Akhnoor, Mohan Lal Sharma said more than 100 families have been shifted to safer places from the Chenab River inundated Garkhal village and temporary shelters that have also been established for them.
He said that situation may escalate further in the village if more water flows in from Chenab due to heavy rainfall. Sharma said a massive rescue operation was launched in the village after the Chenab River breached the protection wall.
Meanwhile, Doda and Kishtwar districts experienced torrential rains for three consecutive days, leading to increased water levels in rivers and causing landslides and mudslides. A cloudburst that struck Kota Nullah in Doda district early on Saturday washed away a stretch of Thaleela – Chirala link road and created a flood like situation in the area.The cloud burst coupled with heavy rain resulted in mudslides and a flood-like situation in Kota Nullah. However, no loss of life or injury was reported.
SP BhaderwahVinod Sharma said they have rescued one person. “We appeal to people to not come out of their houses,” he said.
District administration,Doda has advised people to remain cautious and stay away from streams, rivers, and other vulnerable spots.
DC Doda, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, told Rising Kashmir that he along with other officials of the district visitedThathri area to assess the damages caused by heavy rainfall in the entire Sub Division.
“We evaluated the availability of essential services. The inspection was prompted by the recent torrential downpour that had partially affected roads and raised concerns about public safety,” he said.
In view of the inclement weather conditions, authorities temporarily closed the new track to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, located in Reasi district, as a precautionary measure against potential landslides.
The Talwara Migrant Colony in Reasi was affected due to mud sliding and rains in the region.
The District Administration,Reasi in an advisory said that in view of further increase in total discharge into River Chenab,which has now reached 4174 cumec, People are advised to stay away from riverbanks and take care of their children, it said.
Traffic movements were affected on the 270-kilometer highway due to landslides, disrupting the travel of Amarnath pilgrims. However, authorities took swift action to remove debris and restore partial traffic flow.
The Meteorological Centre, Kashmir has forecasted the possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain in many places in Jammu and scattered places in Kashmir until Sunday afternoon. The subsequent days are expected to bring partly to generally cloudy weather with a brief spell of rain in some places.
Rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours till 0530 hours Saturday was as follows: Srinagar received 8.6mm, Qazigund 25.8mm, Pahalgam 10.1mm, Kupwara 00mm, Gulmarg 4.4mm, Jammu 0.2mm, Bhaderwah 5.6mm, and Batote 3.8mm.
The authorities are closely monitoring the weather situation and have taken necessary measures to ensure public safety. Residents are urged to stay updated with official advisories and take necessary precautions during this period of inclement weather.
In Ramban, a batch of over 3,000 Amarnath pilgrims was briefly stopped following landslides in Mehar and Dalwas areas along the 270-km highway but after the removal of debris, traffic movement was restored.
Soon after the partial resumption of traffic, all the Kashmir-bound yatra vehicles were allowed to proceed ahead.
In view of inclement weather conditions, GanderbalPolice advised people not to venture out near river banks and other water bodies.
Regarding the maximum temperature, Srinagar recorded 22.5°C, Jammu 28.2°C, Banihal 18.7°C, Batote 19.5°C, Katra 24.6°C and Bhaderwah 19.1°C.
A traffic police spokesman said traffic is plying on NH-44, Srinagar-Sonamarg road & Mughal road smoothly. People are advised to follow lane discipline.
He said on Sunday subject to fair weather and better road conditions SANJY Convoy /LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
On Srinagar- Leh highway, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa.“LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0730 hrs. to 1100 hrs.
“Similarly, LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings,” he said.
