With the weather department predicting moderate to heavy rain across J&K, there is fear of flash floods.
Heavy rain lashed Jammu and Kashmir since Friday evening. The heavy rain triggered landslides and mudslides, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and also leading to the suspension of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra for the second consecutive day, officials said.
The water level of the Jhelum River, along with its tributaries and smaller streams, is experiencing a rising trend since Saturday morning and authorities are keeping a watch on the situation.
“The water level of the Jhelum River may even exceed the Flood Declaration point, so it is crucial for people, especially those living in low-lying areas, to take precautions and stay updated with the latest information,” Kashmir’s independent weather forecaster Faizan said on Saturday.
He said there was higher-than-expected precipitation in the Kashmir region due to the interaction between a Western Disturbance and Monsoon winds.
Several districts in Kashmir have issued advisories asking people to stay away from water bodies.
The water level at Sangam gauge in Anantnag was 13.37 feet at 10 am. Nine hours later, the water level at Sangam was 20.82 feet which is close to the ‘flood alarm’ mark. The water level has been increasing at a fast speed at every gauge being monitored by the Flood Irrigation department.
The weather department predicted that intermittent light to moderate rain or showers is likely at most places of Jammu and Kashmir regions on Saturday night with possibility of heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places J&K.
It said that snowfall is also expected over higher reaches.
The Meteorological department in Srinagar said intermittent light to moderate rain is likely at many places of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday with possibility of heavy showers at isolated places of Jammu region.
It said there will be overall improvement in the weather from July 10.
“But light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places can’t be ruled out between July 10 to 14,” it added.
The MeT predicted that there was risk of flash flood, landslide, mudslide at vulnerable spots and lower catchment areas.
The bad weather will also temporarily disrupt surface transportation over Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh National Highway and other major hilly roads.
Meanwhile, Banihal district, Jammu region, recorded the highest rainfall of 103.8 mm over the last 24 hours.
In Kashmir, the tourist resort of Pahalgam recorded the all-time highest 24-hour rainfall in July. Pahalgam recorded 73.3 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. In July 1983, the resort received 60.4 mm of rainfall.
Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded the second-all-time highest 24-hour rainfall in July. It received 94.0 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
The tourist resort of Gulmarg recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall in July since 2010. Gulmarg recorded 42.4 mm of rainfall.
