Rains lash Kashmir

Srinagar, May 21: Intermittent rains lashed Kashmir since late Wednesday evening, causing flash floods in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district and a lightning strike in the upper reaches of Pahalgam that killed 107 livestock, officials said Thursday.

Fresh snowfall was reported from the higher reaches of Zojila, Drass, Gurez, and Tulail valley bringing relief from the warm weather that had prevailed across the Valley over the past few days.

Officials said the wet spell began in north Kashmir late Wednesday evening before spreading to central and south Kashmir, continuing through Thursday afternoon.

In Bandipora district, a cloudburst led to a flash flood-like situation near Dar-ul-Uloom Rahimiya along the Srinagar-Bandipora Road after water and mud entered several houses.

Two houses suffered partial damage, while a portion of the road also caved in.

Two people sustained minor injuries.

In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, 107 livestock, mostly sheep and goats, were killed after lightning struck during heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Lehandegan area of Pahalgam overnight, officials and local residents said.

The animals died on the spot, causing major losses to livestock owners.

Officials from the Sheep Husbandry, Revenue and Police departments visited the area to assess the damage.

A houseboat partially sank in the River Jhelum near the SBI Bank area in Srinagar after rainwater entered the structure during strong winds, causing panic among residents.

Locals, assisted by SDRF and police teams, rushed to the spot and salvaged the owner’s belongings.

Strong winds also uprooted a Chinar tree at Akad along the Khanabal-Pahalgam road, which fell on a moving vehicle and damaged it.

However, all the occupants, including vehicle owner Zahoor Ahmad and his friends, escaped unhurt.

The Meteorological Centre advised people, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to remain cautious during thunderstorms, gusty winds and lightning activity, warning of possible disruption to outdoor activities in some districts.

Fresh snowfall in Minamarg, Zojila, and Drass turned the landscape white and forced authorities to temporarily suspend traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.

The highway, which passes through Zojila Pass at an altitude of more than 11,500 feet, is the main road link connecting Kashmir with Ladakh.

Snowfall was also reported from Tulail Valley and Gurez.

According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded 5.4 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Qazigund received 6.8 mm, Pahalgam 14.2 mm, Kupwara 11.4 mm, Kokernag 5.4 mm, and Gulmarg 13.4 mm.

Temperatures across Kashmir dropped sharply after warm conditions earlier this week. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 23.9 degrees Celsius, 1.5 below normal, while Qazigund settled at 21 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam at 20 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg at 12.6 degrees Celsius.

In contrast, the Jammu region continued to witness intense heat, even though certain stations witnessed dip in temperatures due to traces of rainfall.

Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.5 degrees Celsius, about 3.1 degrees above normal.

Kathua recorded 43.4 degrees Celsius, Katra 37.6 degrees Celsius, Banihal 31.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 25.1 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 25.86 degrees Celsius.

“Intermittent light to moderate rain will continue till Friday evening, accompanied by thunder, hail and gusty winds at a few places,” Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad said.

He said generally dry weather would prevail from May 23 to May 25, although isolated places could receive brief spells of rain during afternoon hours.

“The weather will again turn warm from May 26 to May 28, with temperatures expected to rise above 30 degrees Celsius,” Ahmad said.

He said partly to generally cloudy weather was expected from May 29 to May 31, with light rain and thundershowers likely at isolated places, mainly during late afternoon hours.

“Overall, no significant weather activity is expected till the end of this month,” Ahmad said.

Authorities issued an advisory warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in isolated areas.

Officials also warned of the possibility of landslides and flash floods in vulnerable locations.