Jammu: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next several days, warning of heavy rainfall, lightning, gusty winds, flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas. In view of the forecast, the Kishtwar district administration has issued a weather advisory till July 5, urging residents and pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid vulnerable locations.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours. Similar weather conditions are likely to continue over the following week, with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall expected across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The IMD has warned that Jammu Division is likely to witness isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph on July 2 and 3. The department has also cautioned that these weather conditions may trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas.
For Kashmir Division, isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected on July 2, 3, 7 and 8, while no major warning has been issued for July 4 to 6.
The weather office has advised people to remain alert, particularly those living in landslide-prone areas and along riverbanks, and to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
Responding to the forecast, the Kishtwar district administration issued a detailed advisory warning that the district is likely to experience generally cloudy weather with spells of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms at many places till July 5, with a few locations likely to receive heavy rainfall and brief intense showers accompanied by gusty winds.
The administration said the prevailing weather conditions could lead to flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations. Residents, especially those living near rivers, streams, nallahs and low-lying areas, have been advised to stay away from such locations and take all necessary precautions until the weather improves.
All government departments, including Revenue, Public Works Department, Mechanical Engineering, Power Development, Jal Shakti, Health, Irrigation and Flood Control, NHIDCL and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure prompt response to any emergency.
Field officials have been instructed to stay prepared for rescue and relief operations, while all tehsildars have been directed to immediately report any loss of life or damage to property arising from adverse weather.
The District Control Room at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kishtwar, has been activated round-the-clock to respond to emergencies, and emergency helpline numbers have been issued for public assistance.
The weather office reported that Kathua recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours at 85.8 mm, followed by Katra (39 mm), Konibal (24.5 mm), Pahalgam (13.2 mm), Kukernag (11.7 mm) and Qazigund (9 mm). Day temperatures remained above normal at most places in Kashmir but below normal across many parts of Jammu Division due to widespread cloud cover and rainfall.
For July 3, the IMD has forecast light rain and thunderstorms in Jammu, while Srinagar is expected to witness a partly cloudy sky with light rain or thunderstorms. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31°C in Jammu and 29°C in Srinagar.
Authorities have also appealed to tourists, pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra, commuters on mountain roads and residents in vulnerable areas to closely follow official weather advisories and avoid crossing overflowing streams or travelling through landslide-prone stretches during periods of heavy rain. Emergency response agencies have been asked to remain on standby throughout the forecast period.
