Srinagar, May 21: Fresh snowfall was recorded in the upper reaches of Kashmir’s Tulail Valley in Bandipora district, as well as in Drass and Zojila on Thursday, while moderate to heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the Valley, disrupting normal life and causing damage to property, officials said.
The snowfall in the remote Tulail Valley near the Line of Control followed a sharp overnight drop in temperatures, covering mountain slopes and residential areas.
Similar conditions were reported in Drass and along the Zojila axis.
Locals termed the snowfall unusual for the second half of May.
Meanwhile, heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms affected districts including Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara. While the showers brought relief from rising temperatures, they also led to waterlogging and temporary disruptions.
In Bandipora, heavy rainfall triggered flooding near Darul Uloom Rahimiya along the Srinagar-Bandipora road, with water and mud entering residential areas and damaging houses.
Two houses belonging to Nazir Ahmad Dar and Reyaz Ahmad Dar of Nusoo village were partially damaged. Two persons, including a minor girl identified as Muskaan, sustained minor injuries. One was discharged after treatment, while the other was undergoing treatment at District Hospital Bandipora.
Residents alleged the incident was caused by blocked drainage and leaking pipes, claiming that repeated requests to authorities for clearance had gone unaddressed. They also said a drain under construction had been reduced in size, leading to overflow during heavy rain.
The affected families demanded compensation and urgent repairs, including restoration of the damaged road and strengthening of protection works.
Officials said restoration teams had been deployed, with Tehsildar Bandipora visiting the site to assess the situation.
Rainwater also accumulated in low-lying areas of Srinagar and other towns, briefly affecting vehicular movement. Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir till Saturday, with higher activity expected over the Kashmir region. Short intense showers, gusty winds, lightning and hailstorms are possible at isolated places.
