Jammu: The relentless heatwave sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir claimed the life of a 70-year-old man in Jammu, even as maximum temperatures soared across the Union Territory on Thursday.
The deceased, identified as Bishamber Dass of Ramban, currently residing in Bajalta, had been missing for the last three days. His body was recovered near Degree College in the Sidhra area.
Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive heat exposure may have led to his death, police officials said.
Jammu continues to reel under severe heat conditions, recording a maximum temperature of 43.6°C, only marginally lower than Wednesday’s scorching 44.4°C.
While Samba sizzled at 46.3 degrees Celsius, nearly six degrees above normal. According to the Meteorological Department, at least six districts — Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi — witnessed temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Kathua reported 43.6 degrees, Ramban 43.5, Udhampur 42.0, Reasi 41.8, and Katra, the base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, registered 40.6 degrees Celsius. Poonch too crossed the 40-degree mark.
Amid these harsh conditions, the Jammu Municipal Corporation has initiated relief measures by deploying water tankers and sprayers along busy roads to cool down road surfaces and offer some respite to commuters.
Officials said the move aims to mitigate the effects of the oppressive heat in public spaces.
In the Kashmir Valley, the summer capital Srinagar sweltered at 34.2°C, which is 6.2 degrees above normal. Other parts of the Valley also faced intense heat, with Qazigund at 33.9°C, Kupwara 33.0°C, Kokernag 33.2°C, Pahalgam 29.0°C, and Gulmarg at 24.8°C.
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe heatwave alert across Jammu and Kashmir for the next two days, warning of continued hot and dry conditions.
Residents have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure between 12 noon and 4 pm, and limit outdoor activities.
A brief respite is expected between June 14 and 17, with chances of light rain, thundershowers, and gusty winds at isolated to scattered places.
However, hot and dry weather is likely to return between June 18 and 20, according to the MeT Department.
