Srinagar, Jul 24: Rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir is expected to ease after Friday afternoon, with no major or prolonged rain likely until July 27. However, a fresh wet spell is expected to begin from July 28, bringing the possibility of heavy showers, landslides, mudslides and flash floods, Meteorological Department (MeT) Director Mukhtar Ahmad said on Friday.
Ahmad said the previous weather forecast remained valid until the afternoon of July 23, during which continuous rainfall was recorded across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Continuous rainfall has been observed across Jammu and Kashmir, while South Kashmir and the upper catchment areas have also been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past two to three days. At present, rainfall resumed again this morning,” he said.
He said the ongoing rainfall is mainly affecting the Chenab Valley, adjoining South Kashmir and districts along the Pir Panjal range and is expected to continue until Friday afternoon before gradually subsiding.
“There are no chances of any major or continuous rainfall till July 27. However, from July 28 onwards, another wet spell is likely, which may impact the Jammu division and adjoining areas,” Ahmad said.
According to him, the incoming weather system is expected to affect the Jammu plains, the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal range, while parts of the Kashmir Valley may also receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated intense showers.
He cautioned that the fresh spell could trigger landslides, shooting stones and mudslides, adding that flash floods in vulnerable areas also cannot be ruled out.
Ahmad said water levels in rivers and streams had risen significantly due to recent rainfall but were now gradually receding, according to the latest data from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
He advised people to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and other water bodies where water levels remain high.
“Travellers, transporters, the general public and tourists should avoid travelling to hilly areas for now because the weather remains bad and the risk of landslides, shooting stones and mudslides is quite high,” he said.
Ahmad also warned that prolonged rainfall had saturated the soil, increasing the risk of mud houses collapsing in vulnerable areas.
“The soil has become heavily saturated, increasing the chances of mud houses collapsing in the coming days,” he said, urging people to strictly follow advisories issued by the administration and the Meteorological Department to prevent accidents.
