Srinagar, Aug 25: The Meteorological Department on Monday predicted light snowfall over higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kishtwar, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Zojila, Gumri axis, upper reaches of Pahalgam, ShriAmarnathJi cave, and parts of Bandipora.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that widespread rainfall is expected between August 25 and 26, with heavy to very heavy showers likely at isolated places in Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, and Rajouri districts.
He said that moderate to heavy rain has also been forecast in Poonch, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and the southern parts of the Kashmir division, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds.
“Overall, rainy weather is expected during next 24-36 hours in the region and no continuous rainfall is expected,” DrMukhtar added.
According to the MeT, hot and humid conditions are expected between August 27 and 30, with brief showers at some places. Fresh moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in the Jammu division between August 31 and September 1, while brief thundershowers may occur at scattered places across the region from September 2 to 5.
Authorities have issued an advisory, cautioning residents in vulnerable areas against flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and waterlogging during the wet spell. People have been urged to stay away from water bodies, river embankments, and loose structures.
Meanwhile, in Kathua district, four members of a family were rescued on Monday after they were washed away by a flash flood in the Ravi river, police said. The victims were identified as Mohammed Shafi (60), his wife Reshma (50), daughter Parveena (28), and a two-year-old grandchild were swept away near ShahpurKandi following heavy rainfall in the hilly areas.
A joint rescue operation was launched by Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police ShobhitSaksena along with teams of J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF, Punjab Polic,e and civil administration. All four civilians, residents of Thein village in Lakhanpur, were safely evacuated.
Police have reiterated their appeal to the public to exercise caution and avoid venturing near nallahs and rivers as water levels continue to rise due to incessant rains.
The District Administration Kishtwar issued a weather advisory following a weather warning of intense rainfall with the possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kishtwar district, from August 26 to 29.
It said thatthepublic has been urged to avoid venturing near nallahs, riverbanks, flood-prone or waterlogged areas, keep emergency supplies ready, remain vigilant, and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable zones.
“People in susceptible areas have been advised to identify safer locations in consultation with local authorities. Tehsildars have been instructed to immediately report any loss of life or property caused by weather conditions,” reads the advisory.
Schools to remain closed till today
JAMMU, AUG25: The government has ordered that the government and private schools will remain closed till Tuesday in view of inclement weather conditions.
“In view of the inclement weather conditions, it is hereby ordered that all Government as well as private schools in the Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed till tomorrow, i.e., 26.08.2025”, an order issued by Director Education, Jammu stated.
